The Most Relevant NBA & MLB Transactions This Summer

Double A
Senior Writer, Everything Sports

My 100th article should be a huge deal, at least you know now, and that’s why I waited up to this point to write about any big topic: transactions. At this point in the year, the NBA is closing and MLB is opening its wings for postseason drama. Both have had rumored-filled summers with a massive impact on the league. We can’t see it yet in the NBA, but certainly have seen some in the MLB. The analysis here will forecast the future for the player and the team, as not every relationship is a good fit. I won’t feature anything from past articles, like NBA Free Agency: Sneaky Edition.

NBA
Melo (and Schroder) trade
Analysis: Very surprised the Thunder were able to get something out of that horrible contract, a need that is to put up production when Westbrook is absent. They also got a shooting guard in TLC from Philly. So I would say it’s a win for everyone, as OKC saves money buy purchasing something cheaper and Atlanta opens cap for the future. I don’t think top free agents will want to go there, but you never know what the young squad as in store for this season to showcase the Hawks’ future. If the Lakers can lure LeBron (Philly being close, too), and the city does matter, then don’t count the Hawks out just yet on what they can do.

Leonard for DeRozan trade
Analysis: This trade is even. Brilliant for the Raptors and reasonable for the Spurs. Pop is going to retire soon and gets top player who can slide immediately into the starting lineup. All they care about is staying relevant and competing for their Hall of Fame head coach. For a piece like Kawhi, someone who is questioned about his health and his intention to go the Lakers next summer, it achieves that goal. For Toronto, I’m talking about business not Demar “the face of the franchise”. He had a long and massive contract, but never really a top 20 player like Kawhi. He wouldn’t have the impact in the playoffs has would Kawhi, even without LeBron there. They needed a scenery change, and because of it they can have a run for the finals right now. If Kawhi does leave like expected, then I see a rebuild of at most three years. It’s risky, but not as much as most pose it to be. They could never capitalize on building talent (through late draft picks or free agency), so if Kawhi stays it changes all that. If he leaves they have a chance to finally get a superstar through the draft and build Toronto has a premiere destination for free agents to go to. Either way is a win in my eyes.

Doncic for Young trade
Analysis: I was surprised that Young was valued higher than someone that bound to go to Sacramento at number two, but saw something in this boom or bust prospect. If Young is a great player, I can see this being same type of trade Boston made with Philadelphia last year. Not only did Boston get a 1st rounder from Philly, they got the player they want for less money (third pick compared to if they stayed at first overall). Tatum seems like he will be a star, independent of what Fultz looks like right now. Thus, I see the Hawks potentially winning this trade by imitating what Boston did.

Extensions (PG13, Jokic, Capela, CP3, Love, KD, Booker)
Analysis: All impactful here since there could have been a huge power shift in the league if any of these guys didn’t leave their current team (e.g George signs with Philly). Anyway, at least some loyalty is shown through all the chaos that happened in the offseason (Stars like Cousins and LeBron leave, two players spurn their teams to sign with the Kings). The most shocking one has to be Kevin Love, though George would come in second place. The big man, I think, would have gotten less money next year than what he actually got (and it wasn’t the max). I don’t think Cleveland will want to keep that contract by the third or fourth year, either. He’s about to be 30 next month. Booker, Jokic, Capela was all expected due to restricted free agency after their rookie contracts. Chris Paul and Durant were as well as they are too valuable for their teams to leave, especially in the postseason. Paul George was interesting, but it made sense. Lots of people had the Lakers, I had the 76ers. At the end of the day it was the Thunder who traded for him.

LeBron to LA
Analysis: I like the fit already, as LeBron is calling the shots by calling over Stephenson, Rondo, McGee, and Beasley to his side. This team has a lot of potential next year, with the likes of Kawhi and promise of the young core of Ball, Kuzma, Ingram, and Hart. For now, they are probably going to be a bottom four team within the top eight west teams and won’t go that far in the playoffs. Again, that’s okay with the process they have set up for LeBron here. He is getting older, but for this year he won’t have to deal with as much play-making or stress since he his team doesn’t have Finals aspirations. He should really have a great (MVP?) year for the 2019-2020 season.

Boogie to Golden State
Analysis: “This is my chess move”, says DeMarcus. It’s funny that a team like the Twins signs a guy for two years, knowing he won’t play the first year due to injury. They know Pineda has the talent, and would come back from the injury returning back to his form. The NBA, however, was a bit harsher to the center market and especially one with an Achilles injury. Pelicans offered him two years for $40 million. If it the contract was cut in half (just one year) he would have taken that. He’s worth the max and he knows that. This season for him is just getting healthy and showing his worth in the process, cashing in afterwards. So any contract he would take was going to be cheap compared to his value. Personally, I’m not bothered by him going to the Warriors (mostly in part he called them out of desperateness). Either way, Golden State was going to win the championship in 2019. DeMarcus doesn’t change that. No one has done enough to beat them, at least not until next summer rolls around (when he and Klay leaves).

Honorable Mentions: Derrick Favors, DeAndre Jordan, Zach LaVine, Isiah Thomas, and Julius Randle

MLB
Machado and Dozier head to Dodgers
Analysis: No team is secured in a tightly contested NL West, which you can tell by the flurry of moves made by the Diamondbacks and Dodgers. Ironically, the Rockies got one reliever (Oh from Toronto) and that was it. The Giants couldn’t do so much, but look for them to sell in August. Though Colorado can still make a run for the division title, I see them as a fringe wild card team. I see the division as a two team race, so let’s dive in on their trades. Arizona got three relievers and Eduardo Escobar. Jake Lamb is going to be gone for a while with a shoulder injury, so building depth with him is perfect. The bullpen is revamped with Andriese, Ziegler, and Diekman, though I hope they can handle the difficulty of Coors Field and the stacked Dodgers lineup. As for the Dodgers, they really revamped their infield. Got an elite shortstop (or third basemen) and an all-star second basemen. Axford helps with their bullpen depth going down the stretch of the season. Dodgers have the goods to go and possibly win the World Series, with the Dbacks giving them a headache in the process. Looking at the future, both teams didn’t give them much for these seven guys (more so quantity than quality). However, six of them are going to free agents after this season. Remember, the Dodgers got Yu Darvish and the Dbacks got J.D Martinez last year. One helped significantly and the other couldn’t, and then both left months later. This time around, you never know what can happen.

Cleveland get Martin from Tigers and RPs from Padres
Analysis: Never stop, never settle. Sure the Indians will win the AL Central rather easily, but rather than claiming the playoff spot and moving along, they are making sure that have a shot of winning it all. You see Boston, Houston, New York all having a better team than Cleveland, but with a little bit of that playoff luck, anything goes with them closing the gap. Martin was having a great year before his injury, but he knows the division well enough to get back on track. Hand and Climber might have been too little of a return for their top prospect, but if they are confident in Gomes and can’t resign Miller in the offseason, the Indians can make it work.

Lynn, Britton, Happ go to the Bronx
Analysis: A lot of people said to go after (fill in the blank) just because Judge is out a few weeks. They didn’t. They created depth in the bullpen and not on the field. Because usually you have the same starters in every playoff series, it makes sense to preserve those in the bullpen in case of a certain scenario. They probably did these trades to counter the Red Sox getting Eovaldi, or at least preventing their hands to get on these arms. And it still makes sense anyway. Lynn probably would go to the bullpen with Britton, and Happ is their fifth starter (German was never their answer). Besides, they know the offense can handle itself. Of course with pitching you would rather be careful than sorry, especially with the powerful Red Sox meeting them ten more times. I see them as potential World Series winners in a year or two at most, though I know all three will be free agents after the season. That doesn’t mean they won’t sign one or two.

Brewers create logjam in infield
Analysis: It’s funny how the Brewers needed starting pitching, but instead got two infielders and reliever Soria. I’m not complaining about Schoop or Moose, since with all these shifts players are out of position anyway. Schoop is the only guaranteed one playing for them next season. However, I wouldn’t be too comfortable with Anderson and Miley in that rotation. The fit was more for Harvey, who’s still available via wavier trade this month. They could have gotten Hamels away from the Cubs, where he performs very well at Wrigley Field. Why not Lance Lynn? He knows the division pretty well too. I don’t know what the Brewers envision, but they shouldn’t be too comfortable. The Cubs have Morrow coming back, Chatwood got moved to the bullpen, and they got Chavez and Kinztler via trade. I like their chances to keep the division, but not by much.

Phillies get upgraded, Braves get three arms and Duvall
Analysis: So the Phillies, nearly last in defensive runs saved and lack veteran experience, get what they needed and more depth in the bullpen. Loup from the Blue Jays is a good fit, a lefty capable of striking out guys as well as getting to ground out. He is struggling this year, but a new ballpark (and league) should help him. Cabrera and Ramos are great bats to plug into the lineup and probably better defensively than Kingery and Alfaro, respectively. All three are bound for free agency, with Ramos the only one I see staying after this season. That’s not the case at all with Atlanta, as the only guy of their four that’s waiting for free agency is Brad Brach. The rest are more than just one year rentals: Duvall, O’Day, and Gausman. All the arms were acquired by the O’s and should completely help them not fall behind Philadelphia. Whoever doesn’t win the NL East, probably will miss the wild card by a game or two because you have at least three playoff teams in each the Central and West division. Most, I would say, are better positioned than the Braves or Phillies. The urgency was there for both teams to make moves and they did, and now they will be staring down at each other until their last series of the regular season.

Pirates and Rays make the biggest splash
Analysis: It seemed like the Cardinals were weirdly selling, as they got one piece from the Yankees and trading away decent pieces. The headliner is Pham going to Tampa, as he solidifies a nice outfield along with a change of scenery for his slumping bat. This could have been the icing on the cake do to a move for Pittsburgh. With the Cubs’ holding firm on the division, the Brewers weren’t trading for any starter, and the Cardinals preferring they rid the outfield jam instead of having depth, the Pirates are looking for a spot in the wild card game. They even got a closer from the Rangers in Keone Kela, with three years of control. And though their chances aren’t high, they have an ace in Archer for the future to build on the rotation. That didn’t come without risk, as the Rays did good on their end of the deal. Two promising young players with a lot of team control, along with their young core already in the field, tells me Tampa is decreasing their effort to be in the playoff race. With or without Archer, their chances were slim as well to make a wild card spot with the Yankees, Mariners, Athletics bound to occupy the two. Both teams are looking for the future, but in different ways. Pirates wanted someone ready and the Rays wanted to continue to build on the youth.

AL West got more than just interesting….it got dramatic
Analysis: As of today, August 1st, the Mariners are four games back and the Athletics are five games back of the division leading Astros. Sure, the NL West has two teams only half a game back of their division leader (Arizona), but all were expected to be in the thick of the race. The Mariners had high hopes, but to be this close to Houston? Same for Oakland! No one had them near the playoff hunt, but they are right there with Seattle and New York for the wild card game. Anyway, not too big of the moves came in this division but regardless still helps. All three teams added relievers. Oakland got Familia, who has been pitching great. Seattle got Maybin, Tuivailala, Duke, and Warren. Houston got Osuna, Pressly, and Maldonado. Some of these guys have team control, but all three teams are looking for only this season and a chance in the postseason. If I were to bet, I would say Houston is going to win the division. Though I believe the Mariners have a better overall team than Oakland, it’s very difficult to say who will win the second wild card spot. August will get more clearer with more games being played, but also more trades being done. Either way, nothing is safe in that division.

Fantasy Baseball Tips

Double A
Senior Writer, Everything Sports

Usually I would wait around this time (mid-season) to break out some stars and busts whom we did not expect going into our draft night, whatever the sport. However, it seems like it’s better to go on a fresher path and try to help those be a better team. Sometimes you just go with your gut and work “on the fly” as the season goes along, but it also is beneficial to be secretive and unpredictable with your strategies as a GM. I don’t mind sharing my secrets, especially when you have come all this way to find this article.

Free Agent or Trade Target Pitchers: Defensive Runs Saved and WHIP
You have to care about what they can control (walks, home runs, hit batters) and not forget about what they can’t: balls in play. You could see the fielding independent pitching stat (FIP), which puts what they control into an ERA. That just tells me how lucky or unlucky my pitcher is because it’s always compared to the regular ERA. Rather, I could see the defense they play with using defensive runs saved. It’s self-explanatory. The defense saves x amount of runs in a season. You can this website: Fangraphs DRS stat, and see what team plays the best defense. Right now the Diamondbacks lead the MLB with 55, and the Brewers are right behind them with 52. Clay Buchholz (sleeper on Arizona) and anyone in Milwaukee’s rotation is a good add (I am a little skeptical with Chase Anderson).
That leaves me WHIP to explain, which someone might tell me “didn’t you just say not to trust hits allowed?”. Yes, but it’s still helpful to look at when it comes to WHIP. I try to see if the WHIP is 1) under 1.20 and 2) mostly generated by hits instead of walks. Hits tells me that a hitter could get lucky with a bad defense, but at least that’s better than a pitcher lacking control and walking a lot of guys. See, some hits are well-earned, but all walks are (basically) given. I wouldn’t want a pitcher who walks many, maybe a third (at most) of their innings pitched.

Batters: On Base Percentage and Slugging Percentage (but separate)
This can depend on whether you play with points or categories, which is why I choose these two stats because it doesn’t matter what league. I know OPS combines the two, and the leaders in OPS are worth owning, but you get a better idea of what type of hitter you’re getting if you split OPS up. If you need more a slugger, easy. If you need batting average and walks, again easy. This can be obvious, but some get caught into the talent a hitter once had. An example would be Josh Donaldson and Andrew McCutchen being free agents in my league. Sure, it is a six man league. However, Donaldson has had two DL stints while just owning a .333 OBP on the season and McCutchen is on pace (assuming he plays around 150 games, usually he does) for his most strikeouts in a season ever in his career and 16 home runs with 68 runs batted in. They both are owned in at least 90 percent of ESPN leagues, to my amazement. Stats don’t lie, but (old) talent can. Plus, do your own research and see what other stats tell you who and who isn’t a good hitter. There is so many out there.

Spot Starts: What to look for in a good start
You have to consider two things: your team (and your pitcher) and the other team (and their pitcher). If everything is in the favor of your spot starter, then it will most likely be either a win or a quality start for your fantasy team.
Note: Not a guarantee as other unmeasurable factors comes into play

Last ten games for both teams (momentum)
Teams’ season record for where they’re playing (home or away)
*Both pitchers’ history vs the team they’re facing
Both pitchers’ stats for where they’re playing (home or away), just that season
Both pitchers’ stats for the time they’re playing (optional)
Both pitchers’ recent games (like the previous 15 or 30 days)

Trades: Preparing yourself
Okay, let’s say you target a hitter or pitcher you like and the assets are all lined up to grab him. Don’t assume the person will accept it, but think to yourself: is my team going to be in a stable or awkward position if the trade does happen? Here is what I mean. Is there going to be too many outfielders? What about pitchers? I need to add the (fill in the blank) position. Assuming you have a plan of having backups along each position (maybe not catcher), you want to keep that number stable (unless you have a few guys who are versatile, then in that case the number can be flexible). A trade can make a few positions feel unstable, and that’s okay because you are getting the guy you want. All you need to do is imagine the trade going through and thinking of the next transactions afterwards. Sometimes you just add someone. Sometimes you drop someone since a position is now overfilled. You might even have to offer up another trade. As long as a plan is in place when the trade gets accepted, then you and your team will be in a better position than before.

MLB Surprisers

Double A
Everything Sports, Senior Writer

I sincerely apologize for the lack of activity on this website in the past month, as work as caught up with me and has taken up a lot of my free time. However, that is in the past and the present is currently this MLB season. It’s been almost two months since me and my colleague Lee have done the MLB 2018 Season Predictions. A lot has changed since, so might as well change a little to adapt to what we have seen. Here are our top eight teams that are most likely will be far from our predicted record.

Braves (22-15)
Predicted Record: 73-89 (average of me & Lee)
New Record: 83-79 (+10)

Nationals (23-18)
Predicted Record: 96-66 (average of me & Lee)
New Record: 85-77 (-11)

Pirates (22-16)
Predicted Record: 65-97 (average of me & Lee)
New Record: 81-81 (+17)

Cardinals (22-14)
Predicted Record: 79-83 (average of me & Lee)
New Record: 86-76 (+7)

Dodgers (16-22)
Predicted Record: 93-69 (Lee)
New Record: 84-78 (-9)

Dbacks (24-15)
Predicted Record: 78-84 (average of me & Lee)
New Record: 88-74 (+10)

Orioles (12-27)
Predicted Record: 77-85 (me)
New Record: 63-99 (-14)

Twins (16-18)
Predicted Record: 86-76 (average of me & Lee)
New Record: 79-83 (-7)

EXTRA
No-hitters
Three already! I would say five by the end of the season, which would be insane! I wouldn’t be so surprised because the approach of hitters to go after the long ball have increased the chance that they get out. At the same time, pitchers are developing more “stuff” and do use it well against these hitters.

Harvey trade
Everybody wins. Both teams let go of big disappointments while getting the other to see if that regain that talent back.

MLB 2018 Season Predictions

Lee Sandler
Contributing Writer, Everything Sports

Double A
Senior Writer, Everything Sports

Double A and I are ready for opening day this Thursday, but we can’t go about it without some predictions! Thus, for the first time on this website, two of our writers will work together to give you division winners, MVPs, Cy Young, and your World Series matchup. Two heads are better than one, so this is double (get it?) the magic. Let’s get going.

Standings
AL East                         Lee                        Double
Yankees                     102-60 (1)               96-66 (1)
Red Sox                     94-68 (2)                 88-74 (2)
Orioles                       76-86 (3)                77-85 (4)
Blue Jays                   72-90 (4)                 79-83 (3)
Rays                           68-94 (5)                 72-90 (5)

AL Central                Lee                           Double
Indians                    93-69 (1)                    90-72 (1)
Twins                       89-73 (2)                    82-80 (2)
Tigers                       67-95 (4)                    60-102 (5)
Royals                      63-99 (5)                     65-97 (4)
White Sox                73-89 (3)                    67-95 (3)

AL West                     Lee                          Double
Astros                      103-59 (1)                  94-68 (1)
Angels                      86-76 (2)                    84-78 (2)
Rangers                   75-87 (5)                    77-85 (4)
Mariners                 82-80 (4)                    82-80 (3)
Athletics                  85-77 (3)                    76-86 (5)

NL East                     Lee                          Double
Nationals                97-65 (1)                    95-67 (1)
Phillies                    84-78 (2)                    81-81 (3)
Mets                        77-85 (3)                     83-79 (2)
Braves                    74-88 (4)                     72-90 (4)
Marlins                  58-104 (5)                   55-107 (5)

NL Central               Lee                          Double
Cubs                        90-72 (1)                    89-73 (1)
Cardinals               77-85 (3)                    82-80 (3)
Brewers                 87-75 (2)                    85-77 (2)
Pirates                    64-98 (5)                    66-96 (5)
Reds                        71-91 (4)                    70-92 (4)

NL West                     Lee                          Double
Dodgers                   93-69 (1)                   96-66 (1)
Giants                      83-79 (3)                   79-83 (4)
Rockies                    86-76 (2)                   86-76 (2)
Dbacks                    75-87 (4)                    81-81 (3)
Padres                     74-88 (5)                    68-94 (5)

Playoffs (Divison winners first, then wild card)
Lee: (Yankees, Indians, Astros, Red Sox, Twins;
Nats, Cubs, Dodgers, Brewers, Rockies)

Double: (Yankees, Indians, Astros, Red Sox, Angels;
Nats, Cubs, Dodgers, Brewers, Rockies)

World Series Winner
Lee: Astros win in six vs the Rockies
Double: Dodgers win in five vs the Yankees

AL Awards                           Lee                                     Double
Rookie                           2B Gleybar Torres               OF Willie Calhoun
Cy Young                      SP Luis Severino                 SP Justin Verlander
MVP                              OF George Springer             OF Mike Trout
Comeback Player        SP David Price                     2B Rougned Odor
Manager                    NYY Aaron Boone                 LAA Mike Scioscia

NL Awards                           Lee                                     Double
Rookie                          SS J.P Crawford                   OF Ronald Acuna
Cy Young                   SP Stephen Strasburg          SP Clayton Kershaw
MVP                            3B Nolan Arenado               3B Nolan Arenado
Comeback Player     SP Noah Syndergaard         OF Yoenis Cespedes
Manager                     MIL Craig Counsell             WSH Dave Martinez

Free Agency Wrap Up

Double A
Everything Sports, Senior Writer

Spring training starts in just two weeks, and that means free agency all but over. Or is it? Cobb and Holland, as well Reynolds some may say, are still available. However, we need to move on from free agency that has prolonged a bit too long. To do that, I need to say the final few big signings in the past week or two. A few times I may refer to a previous article as I analyze some of this late signings, here it is: My 2016 MLB Free Agency Research.

Arrieta signs with Philadelphia for 3 years and $75 million
Analysis: I’ve had a few people months ago tell me that this transaction is coming true. I disputed it, thinking it was too early and D.C being a better fit for him. The lurking variable in my prediction was the timing. I would think he would be desperate by this point, and thus be willing to hear any team that makes him an offer. However, I am shocked by the amount of money he got. I think he’s worth $21 million at most. His good days are behind him, though I do believe that he will still be successful in the postseason. How to get there, in the regular season, is where he needs to show he isn’t declining.

CarGo stays with Colorado for 1 year, $8 million
Analysis: Feel bad for Carlos, as he turned down an extension much more lucrative than this one and joins a crowded outfield. I thought he would be a trade candidate before the trade deadline last year. This cheap (low risk) deal may put him back on that market before the summer begins because I see him being the odd man out.

Jonathan Lucroy signs with Oakland for 1 year and $6.5 million
Analysis: Surprise he didn’t get more attention, as catchers are still highly valued these days but then it’s a matter of age. He is not that old and still plays behind the plate. He can bring leadership to a team that’s very young, possibly ending the rebuild in Oakland. The A’s got good on a low risk like this one. Could this mean they can be in the playoffs as early as next year? If they shore up their rotation, I believe it.

Logan Morrison signs with Twins for same amount and time as Lucroy
Analysis: I can him having the same season he had last year, though Mauer can get in the way. The division he’s in is weak when it comes to pitching and he might as well prove he should be paid like an actual first baseman. Right now, he seems like trying too hard with this low offer by the Twins (a good steal for them).

Mike Moustakas signs with Royals for same amount and time as Lucroy
Analysis: One of the biggest victims of the qualifying offer, as he could have gotten $11 million more had he accepted it. He overestimated the market because he could have been a liability to one’s draft plans. You want to keep your top three picks, not use them on a decent player that’s up there in age. That’s why I think, by the point of January or at the latest February, the draft pick compensation should be lowered from a first rounder to a fifth rounder. When it gets even later, say March, it should lower even more. Moose is a guy that shouldn’t have deserved to wait this long.

Lance Lynn signs with Twins for 1 year and $12 million
Analysis: Love this signing, as I had known this match for awhile because it’s such a good fit. He recoups most of the qualifying offer he declined in St. Louis, Twins don’t lose much (4th round pick) and get a guy at a much-needed position. The Twins quietly had a great offseason, getting good guys at a low risk. They can compete for the wild card yet again, maybe making the Indians run for their money.

Other Notables (since MLB Offseason Recap Part 3)
Royals sign Duda and Jon Jay for 1 year, $3.5 million
Blue Jays sign Hwan Oh for 1 year, $1.75 million
Rangers sign Lincecum and Chavez to 1-year deals
Neil Walker signs 1 year, $4 million with Yankees
Carlos Gomez signs the same contract as Walker with Rays
TB trade Souza to ARI, NYY trade two prospects, ARI trades Drury to NYY
Rays trade Corey Dickerson to Pittsburgh

MLB Offseason Recap Part 3

Double A
Everything Sports, Senior Writer

I have been waiting for the perfect time to write this article, though that took a month since I wrote MLB Offseason Recap Part 2, with so many key free agents still left on the board. Good thing I chose today because last night was hot for the stove, but also a reasonable time to go back and see other transactions. Let’s dive in on the impact as spring training gets going.

Key Free Agents Remaining
Lance Lynn, Jake Arrieta, Alex Cobb, Jonathan Lucroy, Greg Holland, Carlos Gonzalez, and Mike Moustakas

Signings
JD Martinez signs 5-year $110 million contract with Red Sox
Analysis: This is one of my few predictions I got correct, though most saw it coming. JD is known for power and the Red Sox struggled in that department last year. There is one big problem in all of this, and no it isn’t the contract (Opt-out after the first two years) or the money. It’s the roster. JD doesn’t want to be the DH, so who in the outfield will? Betts is too good, Bradley too, Benintendi? Either way Hanely is moving to the bench, which he wouldn’t like, so he could also leave Boston for good. Too many question marks here because of the signing, thus it’s plausible to assume the Red Sox have one more transaction to make. Then everything will be fine.

Hosmer signs 8-year $144 million contract with Padres
Analysis: For some reason, Hosmer loves hitting home runs at Petco Park. For some reason, Hosmer is the only player (in recent memory) to have one of the smartest contracts ever invented. The first five years are worth $105 million, while the last three is worth $39 million if Hosmer opts in. It’s smart because teams know your first few years on a long contract is bound to be the best years, thus the contract is front loaded. Then option after the fifth year gets interesting. The Padres know by age 33, Hosmer is bound to decline (which equals less money). All of it makes sense for the team making the deal. However, Hosmer knows he’s bound to decline by at least 30, which totals three years of being overpaid. If he really doesn’t feel like he has it after 33, he can opt in knowing he isn’t worth that much. Enough about the contract, the logic of the move is whole other story. I see this move the same as Santana to Philadelphia, as both teams are rebuilding and sign a big time free agent for their veteran presence. Padres I can’t see contending until 2020, at least.

Darvish signs 6-year, $126 million contract with Cubs
Analysis: Cubs fill out their rotation with a big signing, confirming that Arrieta will not return to Chicago. I believe Darvish will do just fine in the season, post and regular. What happened to him in the World Series is a one time thing. The ball impacted how he threw and other pitchers too. Thus, with all this said, the Cubs will make the playoffs. The contract is a tad bit expensive (maybe $17 million annually) and too lengthy, but that helps Arrieta set his price. In my opinion, his contract should be similar to Darvish. Again, I don’t like the length (37 when contract ends).

Older guys sign friendly contracts
Analysis: This includes Anibal Sanchez to Minnesota, Volquez to Texas, Vargas to the Mets, Garcia to Toronto, Miley to the Brewers, and Cashner to Baltimore. I don’t mind these guys because they are capable of being a good (at most) starter for any team. My problem is giving $8 million annually to Garcia, Vargas, and Cashner. All three have an injury history, all long and recent. The only reason I say friendly is due to the market of starting pitchers. Darvish got a lot, Arrieta will eventually, Cobb and Lynn are asking for too much. You have these guys as plan A, of course, but never count out plan B either.

Giants, Cardinals, Brewers, and Rays sign decent relievers
Analysis: Watson (Giants), Norris (Cardinals), Albers (Brewers), and Romo (Rays) aren’t a bad core of pitchers. Not that much hype, not too expensive, not going to disappoint too often. Bullpen is crucial for a run to the playoffs, and I can see all these teams either clinching the wild card or being close to it. Out of these four, Watson will be the most impactful.

Mets sign Frazier for 2 years worth $17 million
Analysis: I’m confused as you are, probably. David Wright has been injured for a long time, so does that mean the Mets know he won’t play this season? I mean the contract is for two seasons. What about trust? I wouldn’t trust him. I know with his history and that contract, I’m stuck with him. Don’t be surprised about the drama at third when Wright is cleared, just because that’s New York City. I do like the signing, maybe a little bit expensive, but the Mets need to right the ship this season and he helps.

Eduardo Nunez signs with Red Sox for 1 year worth $4 million
Analysis: Nunez is worth more, stating that loud and clear. The Red Sox are lucky no one was in real pursuit of him and his injuries last year because this is such a bargain. Statistically, he had a good year at the plate (so much so his defense was not too much into question). Plus, he plays multiple positions. All this adds up to at least double of what he actually got.

Alex Avila signs with Diamondbacks for 2 years at $8.25 million
Analysis: His offense stuff will decline this season, so they should just focus in on the relationship between him and their rotation. Also, if Avila can get this much, then I shouldn’t be surprised that Lucroy is still on the market.

Austin Jackson signs $6 million contract for 2 years with Giants
Analysis: Don’t trust Andrew in center? That’s fine, Jackson still has some in the tank after his play of the year. Just beware of his offensive struggles, but they still get production from their key hitters regardless.

Alcides Escobar and Jose Reyes resign with their respective teams
Analysis: Both of these shortstops should know what they are in for. The Royals are rebuilding and the Mets are starting Rosario. These two can be cheap trade candidates since I can’t see them playing for their teams past this upcoming season.

Lots of minor-league contracts
Analysis: I got to admit, this offseason is seeing a lot of former stars (or even good starters) from a few years get minor league contracts. Not going through all of them, here are some examples: Chris Carter (Angels), Francisco Rodriguez (Phillies), Derek Holland (Giants), John Axford and Craig Breslow (Blue Jays), Allen Craig (Padres), and Jason Motte (Cardinals). Age and injuries are definite factors, but you can see the turn of a generation of baseball with some of these guys basically out of the league.

Trades
Rays trade for Cron from Angels; trades away Odorizzi to Twins
Analysis: Necessary for all teams involved here. Angels officially make room for Ohtani (putting Pujols at first), Twins get a starter they have been looking for while Rays confirm that they were in the market for a first baseman and willing to trade Odorizzi. Should have gotten more for him, though they didn’t pay much for Cron.

Royals trade Brandon Moss to Oakland for Jesse Hahn (basically)
Analysis: It makes sense for both teams do this deal. Royals have a possible starter with Karns recovering from thoracic outlet surgery and A’s add depth to their bench. I would like to start Moss at DH, but Davis is a better candidate with their outfield crowded.

Brewers trade for Yelich from Miami; signs Cain to 5-year contract
Analysis: Might as well put it all in one, right? Both deal with outfielders on the same night with the same team. Cain gets a reasonable amount ($80 million, only) because of his respectable defense, Miami hauls in a big package led by Brinson for Yelich, and Brewers dramatically becomes a force to reckon with. Their starters (not pitchers, which is still a concern) are good, but their bench is what I’m raving about. Perez can play almost anywhere, Villar too (not the outfield), and Broxton and Santana are great replacements in the outfield. Pitching may be an issue, I’m not going to lie, but here’s the great thing about the bench that might balance it out: competitiveness. Guys know in an instant they could get easily replaced with a cold streak (just ask Sogard and Villar), so they are bound to try hard for that not to happen. Also, injuries on this team won’t affect this team because of their deep depth. This team will shock people because of their lack of memorable history, but it shouldn’t blind them to what is in front of them.

Cardinals trade Randal Grichuk to Toronto
Analysis: Same type a deal as the Royals and A’s, with Toronto looking for a Bautista replacement and St. Louis making room for Ozuna. Expect Grichuk to get his home runs, but many good pitchers in that division will strike him out a lot of the time.

MLB Offseason Recap Part 2

Double A
Everything Sports, Senior Writer

Honestly, I was thinking it would take me only one article to describe the whole offseason. Because of the slow pace and patience shown by players and teams, I realize it can be two after writing MLB Offseason Recap Part 1. It’s been more than two weeks, now I’m thinking it could be four (at most). Some things are happening, while most are not. Think about it, if J.D Martinez says he can wait until spring training for a contract, why not think that there are more free agents with the same mindset? With the regular season three months away, that’s too long of a wait for me.

Pirates are (temporarily) going rebuilding mode
For either trade, they didn’t get back much in return. The Giants have a terrible farm system and the Astros didn’t budge. I’m shocked if it was their best offer because they are great players in important roles (to their respective teams), although the contracts were a factor. McCutchen is 31 years old and has a one year left with a cheap $14.75 million, but the Giants were known to need an outfielder. Cole is 27 with two more years of cheap team control on a great rotation. I just don’t get the lowball offers. I understand the decision to rebuild, as I would think keeping the two would just see them win 75 games and lose the wild card race. Trading them gives their playoff hopes a better chance in 2019 than 2018. That’s why I think they resigned a solid closer in Rivero for four years. You get some pieces now and develop them, get your young studs to get comfortable (Marte, Polanco, and Bell), and try to get more cap space for an offseason run. That said, they might as well trade Harrison too.

Mets get Bruce back
I shouldn’t be so surprised by this, just look at Yankees and Chapman last year. They traded away someone before the deadline who they knew can sign with them in that offseason. The same can happen with Darvish, but I don’t see the Rangers as appealing. Either way, the signing is good for the Mets. They have depth in the outfield with Nimmo and Conforto switching back and forth as Conforto is coming off shoulder surgery. They still need to tighten up third and second base. I don’t trust Cabrera at either spot.

A-Gon has one last shot
In what I’m thinking is his last team, the Mets sign him to a minimal contract since the Braves owe him money from his last contract (from their Dodgers trade). He has a chance to prove that he still has the ability to be that slugging first baseman, as injury and age kept him from doing so last year. With the Mets clearly picking him over the young Dominic Smith, I like his chances to do so.

Twins sign future closer
That’s not as bold as you might think, though Rodney is there in Minnesota as well. You can say Reed will still be a good set-up man or Rodney will eventually lose his job this season. He was close in Arizona, and he’s bound to give up more runs with the DH in play. Reed can also close in 2019 if the Twins or Rodney feel he can’t do so anymore.

Hand stays in San Diego
His extension is a steal for the Padres, which is weird since some relievers earned at least seven million yet they don’t have his talent. Maybe this is the year the Padres get out of their rebuild, the fact they held onto Hand up to this point and have been centered around the Hosmer rumors. If they make a run this offseason, they could be the Phillies of the west coast.

Blue Jays add depth in Solarte and Granderson
Not much here as two respected guys are bound to be replacements for two Jays. Jose Bautista is not coming back and Devon Travis is usually injury prone throughout the season. I like that the Jays are going to compete in the difficult AL East, but it’s not worth it. The Yankees and Red Sox will make the playoffs, like last year, except the Yankees are more likely to win the division.

 

MLB Offseason Recap Part 1

Double A
Everything Sports, Senior Writer

Honestly, I thought I would be doing this article a bit later. However, some big transactions have occurred this month while big-name free agents still haven’t signed yet (Hosmer, Martinez, Cain, Darvish, Arrieta, etc.). So I might as well split this up into two (or three?) parts. For the sake of length, I will be including only the biggest transactions from December 7th. Everything else before that I mentioned in another article of mine: Small (But Something) Transactions for MLB’s “Hot Stove”. That said, let’s get cookin’.

Tyler Chatwood to Cubs for 3 years and $38 million, Smyly there too
I love that the Cubs made this move because Arrieta seems like he isn’t going to return back. Chatwood’s ERA isn’t pretty, but that’s mostly in part of his home games at Coors Field. He is so great on the road, which says how much the Cubs are valuing him by paying him a lot. Smyly was given too much money since he didn’t play this year and probably won’t next year. They needed a lefty, but wrong one.

Marlins trade Dee Gordon to Mariners and Ozuna to Cardinals
I know Stanton got traded as part of the Marlins garage sale, but I already addressed it and Ohtani in Winners and Losers of Ohtani/Stanton “Chase”. In all three trades, the Marlins didn’t get even as close to what the White Sox got in their fire sale. I mean, they got a lot for both Chris Sale AND Adam Eaton. The Marlins barely got anything. While the Yankees, Mariners, and Cardinals got momentum in their push for a deep playoff run. I will be critical of Gordon moving to center field, but not if Cano goes to DH so he can continue to produce in the latter part of his 10-year contract. Thanks to the Marlins, all three of these teams have deeper depth. Let me say that with all three of these moves, Realmuto and Yelich will be dealt too.

Santana to Phillies for 3 years and $60 million
I was shocked by this move, but it made sense. You have to sell your team to next year’s free agent class. Thus, you should get one more piece this offseason (a starter?). Right now, how it stands, I don’t like Hoskins going to the outfield. That’s why I thought he would go to an AL team, with the DH, specifically the Indians. For some reason, they didn’t mind replacing him with an okay player in Yonder Alonso. Overpaid him while they could have gotten someone cheaper (they have Edwin, too) like Mark Reynolds last year.

Angels moves
Again, like Stanton (in that same link), I already talked about Ohtani. However, I do want to mention one thing that came out after my story: his pitching elbow. He is still so young, but that scares me if he aggravates it because Tommy John surgery will be next. If they still play him at the same intensity as everyone else, eventually I see him sidelined for quite awhile. That’s mainly why their rotation depth still needs to be addressed. As for Cozart, too much money for someone who has never played third. Will he continue to hit well? Maybe his home runs will go down, that’s about it. Kinsler, although 35 years old, is less of a risk. He had a horrific down year, which gives him plenty of expectation for him to have a comeback season.

Money trade
Kemp goes back to the Dodgers while Kazmir, Gonzalez, McCarthy, and Culberson go to the Braves. This deal unloads Kemp’s last two years of his contract for the Braves, while also having their package all be in the last year of their contract right now. After next season with all that cap space, they will be gladly prepared for the stacked free agent class. The Dodgers do add payroll (Kemp) that could prevent them from signing big in that same offseason, but they cared about the present due to the luxury tax. They still have the most in the MLB, but they reduced it with this trade.

Moreland stays with Red Sox on reasonable deal
So they won’t sign Hosmer, but what about Martinez? All I have heard about Boston is just rumors. They are ones missing out this winter while watching the Yankees overtake AL East (basically). The Sox have to send a message here. Either they build some momentum into the season with a great signing, or they trust with what they have now. That should be decided by next month at the latest.

Brewers sign two starters
They signed Chacin and Gallardo, but they are gambling on way too much of both guys. Something tells me that they are going to go big next year’s offseason since they already have some great pitchers up for grabs and aren’t trying. I don’t see why, honestly.

Padres Recap
Reunites with Headley in Yankees trade and Ross via signing. Gets good potential in Mitchell and Galvis via trades. A bit active, but definitely (still) in tanking mode.

Nice gesture trade
Piscotty is going to Oakland to help his ailing mother, which says a lot about the Cardinals as an organization. You see many deals happening, whether they fit with this team or that team, but for once a deal of this caliber is recognized. It may not be the first time, but it won’t be the last time either.

Longoria traded to Giants, Moore traded away to Rangers
Giants needed to be active and they are. Got a third baseman they needed, though Longo has to have a comeback year for them to win the trade. I believe it’s plausible because a change of scenery can help him. They save money by trading Moore, but they only have four starters on their depth chart. Are they confident in getting one this offseason? I can see Cobb or Lynn going there. Not a bad trade for Texas, but I still don’t understand why they love adding injury-riddled starters. Cashner and Ross last year, now it’s Moore and Minor. Seriously?

Relief Pitchers 101
I’m not surprised of the boom for relief pitchers, honestly. What I am surprised about is the team’s willingness to throw cash at them. I mean some of them aren’t even worth half of what their new contract is (e.g. Cubs’ Morrow at two years and $21 million, Phillies’ Hunter at two years and $18 million, or Astros’ Smith at two years and $15 million). This may sound offensive, but it seems as though the MLB is spending like the NBA. Benchwarmers get tens of millions per year. Relievers are getting nearly as much. I know relievers have an important role (at times), but the comparison is similar. Here are other highlights of the relief pitcher class.

Mariners’ Nicasio signed for two years and $17 million
Twins’ signed Rodney ($4.5 million) and Duke (2.15 million) to one-year deals
Cishek signed with Cubs for two years worth $13 million
Rondon signed two years worth $8.5 million with Astros
Gregerson signed with Cardinals for two years and $11 million
Jared Hughes of the Reds signed two years at $4.5 million
Kintzler resigned with Washington for two years at $10 million
Phillies signed Neshek to two years and $16.25 million contract

Rockies sign Wade Davis to solidify their already solid bullpen
Being more aggressive this year than last year… I see you, Colorado. Here’s the thing: you could use that money on a catcher or a starter (first base will be another cheap option), their most needed positions. Sure you did sign Iannetta, but why not Lucroy? The signings of McGee and Shaw to the same contract of three years and $27 million was a bit too much. They are fine relievers, but too much money for a stadium that won’t help them one bit. McGee’s first season there found him some struggles, having an ERA just under four. Expect the same for Shaw too. Davis, being counted upon as an elite closer, cashed in. I’m just surprised that they didn’t choose cheaper like last season (Holland). If they add a reliable starter in their rotation, I will trust them more than I did last season (wild card, at most, I thought).

Winners and Losers of Ohtani/Stanton “Chase”

Double A
Everything Sports, Senior Writer

Baseball finally has its offseason back! With Stanton now in New York and the Ohtani sweepstakes over, few thing might have gone over your head. Let’s recap all that happened and what can happen using yet another version of winners and losers.

Winners
Angels
I know this is obvious, but think about the aftermath here: more TV attention to them, better depth (both sides of the ball), better odds to make postseason, and a mindset to win in the postseason. Their drought is at eight years without a win, and with a bit more work on that roster (Trout entering his prime, too), that history can be erased.

MLB’s “Hot Stove”
Will things get cooking up now in the free agent market? I believe the domino effect is coming because of these sweepstakes. I mean by just looking at this week only, tons more free agents have been signed, like Chatwood, Iannetta, Fiers, and few of the ones I mentioned in Small (But Something) Transactions for MLB’s “Hot Stove”. No big time ones, but it will by next week.

The Yankees, Stanton, and Home runs
Though some assumed them as the favorites to land Ohtani, including me, they still landed a big time name in Giancarlo Stanton. Did they actually need him? No, but at least he is a definite upgrade over Ellsbury. They could even make Stanton DH! Or his twin Judge! Man, you are going to hear a lot from their broadcaster with the home runs flying out of the park. That said, I have them as World Series favorites (in part thinking they will address their rotation needs) and giving Stanton a chance to finally play in the playoffs.

MLB Fans
Not only is it official that Ohtani is playing, and Stanton being happy, the offseason is finally buzzing for fans to actually follow it throughout the winter.

Cubs and Mariners
Two of Ohtani’s final seven, and both struck out. The good news is that while they were trying to improve their odds of getting him by making moves, Gordon to Mariners and Chatwood to Chicago, they helped themselves in vital spots. The aggression didn’t work for its purpose, but it still came out to a positive.

AL West
A division that was one-sided toward Houston, now you have a four team race with the aggression being shown so far (including the Rangers). It will be intriguing to watch them all play throughout the year, especially September.

Losers
Small Cities
After saying that he wanted to play in a smaller market, he did in fact choose a big time city! Sure, not the glamorous Dodgers, but it still is Los Angeles. I feel bad for the eastern teams that had a better case the Angels but weren’t considered because they were away from the west (yet the Cubs were one of his seven).

The Sad Six
So close, but yet so far away. Yeah, I know. Right there, only to see another team take the prized possession home. Brutal. It could be worse though, just look at….

The Dodgers, Giants, and Cubs
All three were in the running for Stanton (Giants weren’t on his wish list) and Ohtani, like the odds were in their favor to land either one of them. Now they left empty handed, which is still okay for the stacked Dodgers.

Ohtani
Still not being paid that much this season.

Every Contender in Baseball
Not including the teams that plan to (intentionally) tank, everyone should be scared of the Yankees. They were turning heads in the postseason, competing up to the levels of two 100 win teams and almost won both of their series against them. Now adding Stanton to that mix, the momentum is HUGE in their favor toward another ring. The Angels are not close in that department, even after signing Ohtani.

C.J Cron
Assuming that the Angels management will not let him play in the outfield, in that case just playing DH, that means Kole Calhoun will keep his everyday spot. That leaves Cron high and dry since Pujols is an upgrade over him (not statistically, however).

Angels
They now have to pay the $20 million postal fee to Ohtani’s former team, which isn’t so bad, but they do have to deal with the MLB and their investigators to see if there was any cheating in the whole process. The fact it was a shock to people that the Angels won, I’m not too surprised they are following their word and checking them out.

Small (But Something) Transactions for MLB’s “Hot Stove”

Double A
Everything Sports, Senior Writer

Where is the big free agent signing, huh? Lot of people looking at Ohtani and Stanton, but there are many big key signings that haven’t been put to pen yet. Why? I have no clue, maybe a story for another day, but let’s just see the deals that did happen.

Fister signs 1 year, $4 million deal with Rangers
The rest of these transactions are not in order, except this one. The first deal of the off-season! It was okay, as the Rangers are always plagued with injuries to starting pitchers and always try to fix them by signing or trading for them. It hasn’t work and still won’t, though the price was low (but a bit high for Fister’s eventual decline).

Iwakuma signs minor league deal with Mariners
This was a guy who threw a no hitter in 2015 and injuries have taken a toll in the past two years. Thus, I understand the minor league contract. He still could have gotten at least a million if he went elsewhere, because he isn’t that bad of a pitcher. I give him a lot of loyalty credit.

Ryon Healy traded from A’s to Mariners
This might just be a steal by Seattle, or Oakland being sneaky. Healy does fill need at first base, and could be DH whenever Cruz feels like fielding in right. Small productive trades like this is just a step toward playoffs for Mariners, but it actually needs to work now. Oakland isn’t losing much (based on their needs and direction) in this trade.

A’s sign Petit to 2 year, $10 million deal
I have respect for his role to be a long reliever pitcher, as you really don’t see any these days. You may see it out of some pitchers, but Petit actually gets assigned to it. That doesn’t mean you have to overpay him, though.

Angels acquire Jim Johnson and international bonus money from Braves
An underrated move by the Angels as the headlines for this trade is getting more money to potentially sign Shohei Ohtani. I don’t think that is going to happen, but I do believe in Jim Johnson beating out Street and Norris for their closer job around opening day.

Braves sign Rex Brothers for 1 year, $1.1 million deal
Nothing much here as this move gives them depth in the bullpen, especially for their lefties, and at a very cheap price.

Tamba Bay trades Brad Boxberger to Arizona
Is he Rodney’s replacement? The Dbacks would have signed him by this point, right? Maybe they finally recognized the amount of his blown saves, so they make a sneaky move to accommodate for that. I believe it can work very well.

White Sox sign Castillo for 2 years, $15 million deal
It’s encouraging that he wants to help this rebuilding organization, but why that much money? He had an okay season with the Orioles, but not great. Think about this: after he left his team (via trade) they made the playoffs. 2015 Cubs, 2017 Dbacks, 2018 Orioles?

Blue Jays trade for Aledmys Diaz
Injuries prevented him last season to prove his all-star status he earned in 2016. Now he’s just there in Toronto for depth. Really? I can debate to start him over the oft-injured Tulo and Travis. Point is the Jays didn’t hurt themselves here, the Cardinals did. I know they have DeJong, but what about Wong and Gyorko? I can debate Diaz starting over them as well.

Royals sign Wily Peralta for 1 year
I respect Peralta for his time for the Brewers and can be a factor for their bullpen that needs to get back into the game of great bullpens. Reasonable price, too.

Mike Minor signs multi-year deal with Rangers
I don’t like an often injured team to sign a well known injured player, plain and simple. Only if he can reenact his Braves days, then I’m fine with it.

Miles Mikolas signs two year deal, $15.5 million deal with Cardinals
I had no idea he went to Japan to play ball, and to start! First, let me just say, way too much money. Secondly, how will the Cardinals use him? His success in Japan was due to him starting, so where he fit in their awesome rotation of Martinez, Reyes, Weaver, Wainwright, and Wacha? I don’t see him starting over one of those five nor a six man rotation, so just go back to relief where he was in the beginning.

Angels sign former Braves prospect Kevin Maitan
They desperately needed this, a top 50 prospect in 2017, as their farm system isn’t great but a step in the right direction before it’s too late (before Trout becomes washed up).