#david freese sans

[cloudtaleblog]

Ummm..hi! You know the ship kid David you made? The Freshgrease one? Do you have a reference sheet for him I cant find really any drawing of him...

i do have a reference for him, but its not a fullbody one. i could make one if you'd like?

[twins2994]

Second Half Outlook

I follow the Twins, Dodgers, and Giants on a nightly basis and while we push past the All-Star Break here is a look ahead of what all three teams might do moving forward in the second half. 

Minnesota Twins:

The Good: The Twins have a 5.5 game lead in the American League Central after a great first half. The offense has been one of the best in baseball with 166 home runs, which is the most in MLB. The team is hitting .272, which is tied with the Red Sox for the highest average in baseball. The Twins are getting through some injuries and Eddie Rosario should be back on Friday. Jake Odorizzi and CJ Cron’s injuries are minor and they should be back very soon. The starting rotation has been solid for a good portion of the year with Jose Berrios, Jake Odorizzi, and Kyle Gibson leading the way. Martin Perez and Michael Pineda have mixed in some solid starts as well. The bullpen has four very reliable arms with Taylor Rogers, Blake Parker, Trevor May, and Ryne Harper. Mike Morin, Tyler Duffey, and Matt Magill have stepped up at times, but have the occasional bad outing. The Twins need one or two more bullpen arms in order to take control in the American League Central race. 

The Bad: The Twins closed out the first half with a (6-7) record in their last thirteen games. The lead has dropped to 5.5 games and the Indians are playing some good baseball lately. Cleveland went (15-9) in June and have won all five games in July. Corey Kluber won’t be back until August and Carlos Carrasco might be back in September. The Indians have been doing it with Trevor Bauer, Shane Bieber, Zach Plesac, Jefry Rodriguez, and Mike Clevinger in the starting rotation. The Indians have been there and won the division three straight seasons. It appears that the American League Central race is going to be closer than anticipated. 

What Needs To Happen: The Twins need to add a reliever or two in order to contend at a high level in the second half. The team has two nice trade candidates at AAA right now. Brent Rooker is hitting .286 with fourteen homers and forty-seven RBI’s at Rochester. The Twins outfield is full with Eddie Rosario, Byron Buxton, and Max Kepler. Jake Cave and LaMonte Wade are the fourth and fifth outfielders on the team. If you can trade Brent Rooker and Nick Gordon to the Giants for Will Smith and Tony Watson then the Twins would be in business. Gordon is hitting .290 with two homers and twenty-nine RBI’s. The Twins also have an in-house option with Cody Allen. They signed him to a minor league deal. He has thrown four shutout innings with four strikeouts for Fort Myers recently. He will likely move up to AAA before the Twins call him up. I think the Twins should trade for a guy then see how the Cody Allen project works. Allen can be a reliable reliever when he’s right. 

Los Angeles Dodgers:

The Good: The Los Angeles Dodgers have had a tremendous first half to 2019. They have amassed 60 wins and have a 13.5 game lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League West. Corey Seager, AJ Pollock, and David Freese are working their way back from injuries as well. All three of those players should be back after the All-Star Break. The Dodgers are a deep team and the bullpen has finally shaped up into a reliable part of the team. Joe Kelly has allowed one earned run in his last 13 1/3 innings and is becoming the set-up man the Dodgers signed to a huge deal. Kenley Jansen is slowly returning to his old form. Pedro Baez has a 2.70 ERA on the year. JT Chargois has been amazing in his return to the big league club. He has struck out 15 in his last seven innings of work. The starting staff had three All-Stars with Clayton Kershaw, Hyun-Jin Ryu, and Walker Buehler. Maybe the Dodgers add a starter or a reliever, but they don’t need much come July 31st. 

The Bad: There isn’t much bad for the Los Angeles Dodgers. They have the best roster in baseball and one of the best farm systems in the game. They have the resources to make just about any trade if they need to. I only see them acquiring another arm. Rich Hill is going to play catch next weekend and the Dodgers hope he can start in September. That would be a big boost to this great starting rotation. Even if he’s not stretched out then he can still be a reliable lefty reliever. Ross Stripling and Julio Urias are solid options, who can start in Rich Hill’s absence. The only other question mark is Russell Martin and his health. He had a low back issue earlier this year. Will Smith and Keibert Ruiz are ready in the minors though. Overall, the Dodgers don’t have much to worry about after the break unless injuries pop up. 

San Francisco Giants:

The Good: The Giants finished the first half strong. They are scoring tons of runs and the starting pitching has been better to go along with a solid bullpen. The Giants are (7-2) in their last nine games and are now within 5.5 games of the second wild-card spot. Alex Dickerson has been a welcome addition with a .362 average, four homers and fifteen RBI’s since getting claimed off waivers from the Padres. The team even has a chant for him and other players. It seems like the clubhouse is revitalized by his presence. Austin Slater has been a secret weapon with a .429 average, two homers and nine RBI’s in five games since his call-up. Pablo Sandoval has been a great story and has hit either in a starting role or pinch-hitting role. Madison Bumgarner and Jeff Samardzija are finding their rhythm in the starting rotation. Shaun Anderson and Tyler Beede are learning how to pitch at the Major League level. The bullpen is full of solid arms. Will Smith has nailed down all 23 saves this year with a 1.98 ERA. Sam Dyson has a 2.30 ERA, Mark Melancon has been a nice option, and Tony Watson is the eighth-inning guy. Reyes Moronta can escape out of any jam it seems like.  

The Bad: The Giants bats might have finally turned on, but it might be too late. The team is winning and it’s already the middle of July. The team will need to leap frog lots of teams to get the second wild-card spot. Farhan Zaidi has not been shy about making moves this year. He has moved tons of outfield pieces and will likely trade Madison Bumgarner, Will Smith, and Tony Watson at the trade deadline. The good news is that the Giants have some reinforcements at AAA. Fernando Abad, Pat Venditte, and Ray Black can all help the bullpen if current arms get traded. It should be an interesting month for the Giants. 

-Chris Kreibich-

[iloveyoupittsburghpirates-blog]

It’s Time To Move Forward, Pittsburgh Pirates

My Dearest Pittsburgh Pirates, 

Sorry for the delay on this letter. I was out of town for the long weekend and didn’t have the chance to get it to you. This week was more of the same. While it’s hard to be too upset anymore, because it’s over and you are already looking forward to next year, you still performed below expectations. Facing two playoff caliber teams is never easy especially on the road so I wasn’t terribly surprised when you lost two out of three to both the Cardinals and Braves. Your offense has still been terribly lacking with only eleven runs scored in those six games. You opened it up a bit yesterday beating the Reds 5-1 though you didn’t even pull ahead until late in the game and that was only because of the two people who currently have the best OPS on your team: Gregory Polanco and Adam Frazier. Yes, Adam Frazier. That’s due in part to his 4 for 4 day with three RBI’s, a homer, and he finished a triple short of the cycle. You want a stat I bet you never thought you would see at the beginning of the season? Adam Frazier currently has as many homers as Josh Bell with eight a piece. While that’s a positive sign for the re-emergence of Frazier, it also goes to show you how disappointing of a season Bell has put together. This is where we learn who is a viable option for next season and what needs to be addressed. If you happen to win some games in the process, I wouldn’t be mad about it.

You made a couple of surprise moves this weekend before the waiver trade deadline expired. Adeiny Hechavarria, who you recently acquired, was dealt to the Yankees. That’s not terribly surprising given that you are out of the hunt and you want to give Kevin Newman the opportunity to start every day. The more surprising move was dealing David Freese to the Dodgers and most likely ending his tenure with you. I was under the assumption that you would pick up Freese’s six million dollar option this offseason after how disappointing Colin Moran has played. There’s still a small chance the Dodgers could not pick up the option, he could become a free agent, and you could resign him but that seems very unlikely. With Freese gone, you are in a position now where Colin Moran is your only third baseman. Start him the rest of the season. I’m fine with that to see if he somehow explodes. He CAN’T be your only option there for next season. He has a 0.5 WAR in 371 at bats. That’s not remotely good enough to start. Ke’Bryan Hayes had dominant week in Double-A and could be your everyday starting third baseman in a year or two but you have a window now where you can’t afford to waste a year. Signing someone like a Mike Moustakas, Jed Lowrie, or Asdrubal Cabrera is a short term investment that you need to make this offseason. With how bad Bell has been at first, you can’t afford to go into next season with two corner infield spots that could be total duds in the lineup. You have money so go spend it.  

Trevor Williams is on a historic pace right now. He pitched another 6 2/3 scoreless innings yesterday giving him a 0.74 ERA since the All Star break. The record for lowest ERA after the All Star break was set by Jake Arrieta in 2015 with a 0.75 ERA. You remember that season? He dominated you in the Wildcard game and you haven’t had a winning season since? I thought that might jog your memory. Williams has been unstoppable mixing different pitches at different speeds and placing them perfectly. He now holds a 3.16 ERA for the season and has solidified himself as a starter in this rotation next year. There has been a lot of criticism about your ability to develop pitchers with Gerrit Cole leaving and becoming a Cy Young candidate and even Tyler Glasnow looked great again this weekend going seven strong innings. Those criticisms are extremely valid but you also have to give credit when it’s due. Williams (3.16 ERA, 1.18 WHIP) and Taillon (3.45 ERA, 1.20 WHIP) have put together terrific seasons and if you are going to solely blame the Pirates for not developing the others, which again is valid, then you also need to credit them when pitchers do well. I’m not saying there isn’t a potentially huge issue with your pitcher development. We will have a better idea of the severity once Mitch Keller is ready to be promoted. I just think these are two instances that have seemed to work out very well and it needs to be recognized.

Since you have basically been eliminated from the playoff picture, Kevin Newman has been playing almost everyday at shortstop. It hasn’t gone very well. Newman made a devastating error that helped lose you the game on Saturday. He’s also shown no signs of life at the plate batting .121 with a .346 OPS. It’s only been 33 at bats so it’s hard to truly judge him on that small of a sample size. The problem is he had terrible splits in the minors versus righties with only a .705 OPS. When he faces a lefty, it’s .866 which is good but that makes him a platoon player, not a starter. Newman can be the backup SS next year and get some starts against lefties. You can also sub him in for Frazier late in games if he ends up being your starting 2B next year, which seems likely. You can’t go into next season planning for him to be your everyday shortstop. You just can’t. Even though you traded Hechavarria, you could still bring him back as a free agent. That should be your worst case scenario if you can’t find a better bat on the free agent market. Newman can be your backup middle infielder next year and I’m fine with that. But nothing more.  

This week is much easier than the last two because you are playing two last place teams. You finish out the series with Cincinnati at PNC Park today and tomorrow. You have a day off Thursday before the Miami Marlins come to town. It’s the last month of the season and you are out of the playoff picture. Time to play the young guys to see what they have but it’s also smart to limit the starting pitchers. Guys like Musgrove, Taillon, and Williams have already exceeded their innings pitched total from years past. The last thing you want is one of these guys getting hurt for a totally unnecessary reason. Nick Kingham started for Nova on Sunday who had to deal with a family matter. Kingham should basically be used as a sixth starter for this month in order to limit the others.  Overall, your rosters have expanded so there’s no reason for anyone to get overplayed at this point. The only thing that matters now is for the younger guys to get some development time and to keep everyone healthy. Go have fun and try to get better as a team. Then this offseason I hope you will open your checkbook to get better as a team. Have a good week and talk to you next weekend!

                                                                        Looking Ahead To The Future,

                                                                                           Brad

P.S. stands for playing still which I’m referring to a couple former Buccos. Cutch’s mediocre season in San Francisco was cut short when he was traded to the New York Yankees this week where another prominent former Pirate, Neil Walker, now resides. I happened to be in Oakland yesterday to watch the A’s play the Yankees so I got to see them in person. Walker struck out in a big situation and Cutch had one hit, stole a base, and scored in the loss. It was funny to see them on the field together again playing for a contender. Just thought I’d mention it…

[kokaniaas-blog]

Sports Betting Champ, John Morrison Sports Betting Product Review!

Sports Betting Champ, John Morrison is amount well known for his 97% winnings rate NBA/MLB sports betting system. But, the Sports Betting Champ has also brought ourselves other valuable products. A conscientious of selection called The Sports Pick Buffet, and a daily plectrum batches called, The Champs Selections. In this article, I will provide a little background on the Sports Betting Champ, John Morrison, and overview some of his products.

Firstly, Sports Betting Champ, John Morrison, is a land renowned sports handicapper, and professional gambler. In his 28 years, in the gambling world, he is yet to have a losing season. That is why he has earned the name of Sports Betting Champ.

Young, John Morrison, grew up with a glow for sports and numbers. John had great success as a student, in the areas of number and statistics. He would eventually earn his PhD, in Statistics, from Cornell University.

Sports Betting Champ, John Morrison, then went on to makes his living, combining both his brilliance for sports and numbers, in the land of professional gambling. John is well sought after, from clan all over the world, for his gambling advice.

Sports Betting Champ, John Morrison, also spent almost a decade, going over the sporting database, trying to find a system that would predict achievement outcomes, with the greatest consistency. In NBA basketball betting, in the age between 2003 and 2009 the Sports Betting Champ went a reported 363 wins - 8 losses, in all era combined. And, in MLB baseball betting in the era between 2004 and 2009 John Morrison went a reported 243 wins - 1 loss, in all age combined!

You can see that Sports Betting Champ, John Morrison is truly on to something!

Product reviews

1. The World's Unbeatable Sports Betting System- This is the where people normally ask if this is a Sports Betting Champ scam. A 97% success tariff system? But, the 97% fate rate is on bets made, not on games played. True this system is one that is best utilized by a fellow with a bankroll to back them up. But, it is surprisingly easy to use.

The draft determines certain low risk bets, which can be predicted well ahead of time. That translates to only betting approx 40% of the time. Approximately, 120 games out of the year between the two seasons. It uses a mold of martingale wagering, applied to a three quarry series. Based on the premise that the staff bet is sure to winnings one out of three games. Once your team wins one in the series, your done betting that series. This plot also comes with a 67% luck tariff NFL system, and lifetime of free picks, well importance the $197 payment tag!

2. John Morrison Sports Buffet- The Sports Pick Buffet is a great value. The product is a conscience of opinion from over 500 vertex handicappers, comprised into a report and delivered to your inbox everyday. The report is compiled by Sports Betting Champ, John Morrison, himself. The description would seeming something like this:

Compilation of sports choices from expert handicappers for May 29th, 2010

MLB Games

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Atlanta Braves

1 handicapper picked Pittsburgh to winnings the prey (Hawkeye Sports)

5 handicappers picked Atlanta to triumph the prey (Robert Ferringo, Gamblers Data, The Shark, Kelso Sports Handicapping, Dr Baseball)

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Florida Marlins

6 handicappers picked Philadelphia to win the quarry (Rob Vinciletti, Vegas Sports Plays, Moneylineking, Scott Spreitzer, Louisville Slugger, Golden Contender)

11 handicappers picked Florida to win the prey (Info Plays, Dave Cokin, Tommy Gold, Dimension Sports, The Baseball Handicapper, Hot Lines, Chuck O'Brien, Lenny Del Genio, Mike Hook, Sportsbook Guru, Benjamin Lee Eckstein)

Houston Astros vs. Cincinnati Reds

1 handicapper picked Houston to winnings the kills (Sports Betting Professor)

11 handicappers picked Cincinnati to triumph the prey (Carlo Campanella, Doc's Sports, Robert Ferringo, Moneylineking, Tommy Gold, Nolan Fernandez, Sports Wagers, Silver Key Pick, Kelso Sports Handicapping, Dr Baseball, Tom Law Longball Sports)

St Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs

5 handicappers picked St Louis to winnings the game (Dave Cokin, Chris Jordan, Super Sports Group, Sports Wagers, Kelso Sports Handicapping)

8 handicappers picked the Chicago Cubs to success the quarry (Sac Lawson, Tom Freese, Dunkel, Tv Hotline, Ben Burns, Igz1 Sports, Ny Players Club, Rudy Nyc Sports)

New York Mets vs. Milwaukee Brewers

4 handicappers picked the NY Mets to luck the prey (Tommy Gold, Hammerthebook, Sportsbook Guru, Seabass)

6 handicappers picked Milwaukee to success the prey (Dave Price, Robert Ferringo, Fasttrack Sports, Ben Burns, Sports Brokers, Vegas Runner)

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Colorado Rockies

13 handicappers picked the LA Dodgers to win the windowpane (Rocky Atkinson, Derek Mancini, MJP Sports, Dimension Sports, Hondo, Richie Parker, Dave Eckstein, National Sports Service, Al Demarco, Super Sports Group, Sports Wagers, Kiki Sports, Fantasy Sports Gametime)

4 handicappers picked Colorado to winnings the prey (John Martin, Bobby Maxwell, Robert Ferringo, Tom Law Longball Sports)

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. San Francisco Giants

4 handicappers picked Arizona to success the hunting (#1 Sports, Profit-On-The-Net, Super Sports Group, Kiki Sports)

9 handicappers picked San Francisco to winnings the quarry (Larry Ness, Frank Jordan, Raypolaccosports, Papayagang, John Harrison, Kelso Sports Handicapping, Seabass, The Consensus Group, Stumpthespread)

Texas Rangers vs. Minnesota Twins

4 handicappers picked Texas to win the victim (Jr Odonnell, Dan Bebe, MJP Sports, Karl Garrett)

13 handicappers picked Minnesota to success the game (David Chan, Cappers Access, Robert Ferringo, Easy Money Sports, Tommy Gold, Dozo Games Handicapping, Insider Sports Report, Super Sports Group, B&S Picks, Executive, Teddy Covers, Tom Law Longball Sports, Ats Baseball Lock Club)

Seattle Mariners vs. LA Angels

2 handicappers picked Seattle to triumph the victim (MJP Sports, Boston Blackie)

3 handicappers picked the LA Angels to success the victim (Pure Lock, Platinum Plays, LPW Sportsforecast)

Chicago White Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays

5 handicappers picked the Chicago White Sox to luck the quarry (Chris Jordan, Michael Cannon, Chuck O'Brien, Sports Wagers, Seabass)

4 handicappers picked Tampa Bay to triumph the prey (Jimmy Boyd, Computer Sports, Dimension Sports, Wagerglobe)

Oakland Athletics vs. Detroit Tigers

6 handicappers picked Oakland to winnings the victim (Marc Lawrence, Lee Kostroski, MJP Sports, Papayagang, Insider Sports Report, Super Sports Group)

14 handicappers picked Detroit to triumph the hunting (Gill Alexander, Jeff Alexander, Robert Ferringo, Hawkeye Sports, Tommy Gold, Baseball Crusher, The Shark, JSM Sports, Executive, Sportsbook Guru, Teddy Covers, Tom Law Longball Sports, Dozo Games Handicapping, Greg Shaker)

Kansas City Royals vs. Boston Red Sox

2 handicappers picked Kansas City to winnings the windowpane (MJP Sports, Greg Shaker)

20 handicappers picked Boston to success the game (Tony George, Jack Jones, Robert Ferringo, Arthur Ralph Sports, Mike Wynn, Derek Mancini, Dave Cokin, Chris Jordan, National Sports Service, Jr Odonnell, The Shark, Igz1 Sports, Rocketman, Jsm Sports, Hammerthebook, Benjamin Lee Eckstein, Seabass, Ats Baseball Lock Club, Dozo Games Handicapping, Stan Sharp)

NBA Games

There are no NBA games played today.

Summary of the recommended bets to make for May 29th, 2010 based on the sports handicappers' consensus:

"Ultimate Bet" of the day:

[MLB] Most sports handicappers lean toward the Boston Red Sox to fate the victim at a 20:2 ratio!

(Note: this bet was eventually WON)

"Best Bets" of the day:

[MLB] Most sports handicappers lean toward the Cincinnati Reds to winnings the victim at a 11:1 ratio.

(Note: this bet was eventually WON)

[MLB] Most sports handicappers lean toward the Detroit Tigers to triumph the quarry at a 14:6 ratio.

(Note: this bet was eventually LOST)

[MLB] Most sports handicappers lean toward the Minnesota Twins to success the prey at a 13:4 ratio.

(Note: this bet was eventually WON)

As you can see this is a very powerful tool. And, the value, Sports Betting Champ, John Morrison is arrangement available. You can easily spent $1,000 a year on gambling advice from one handicapper. The John Morrison Sports Buffet allows you entrees to the signal of 500 handicappers for the payment of one, the information is already data-mined, and made readable to you everyday. Thats close to $500,000 a year in gambling suggestion from this Sports Betting Champ product. This service is well recognition the $125 a month, that's $3.25 a day. You tins get started with a 10 day test for an unbelievable $5 test payment.

3. John Morrison Sports Picks- The Sports Betting Champ has put together three separate daily picks, College and NBA Basketball sports bet packages, College and NFL Football sports bet packages, and Year-Round Horse Racing tip packages. The Champs Selections come in three separate subscriptions, two-week, one month, and full year deals. These are the same plays the Sports Betting Champ uses himself. The selection are delivered to your inbox early, remainder much of time to get to your wish sportsbook. The prices vary.

For more on the https://kokania.com/product-category/sports/ Sorts Betting Champ System John Morrison sports betting products, drafts out  Also find other betting design reviews!

For your convenience, the region layouts is:

97% triumph tariff system/ The Champs Selections

The World's Unbeatable Sports Betting System

The John Morrison Sports Buffet

Soccer Profit System, one firmament handicapping

40% OFF membership to a vertex gambling site

The Smart Money Law betting system

Poker Training with Jonathan Little

Horse jogging tipster service

FYI- The Sports Betting Champ pages are very long, don't forget your correctness slide-bar!

[theultimatefan]

Patriots Heart Stopping Title Leads Thuuz ‘Most Exciting Games of the Decade’

image: Brian Allen/Voice of America

Thuuz Sports, the most powerful automated video highlights production platform for worldwide sports, today announced their Top 10 most exciting games of the decade, an eclectic mix that included a memorable Australian Open Final to a pair of MLB game winners and beyond. Thuuz culled data from over 254,000 events during the decade to build the list.    

“We all have our memorable moments, but what we have been able to do, and do every day, is measure the overall excitement in a wide range of sports events to produce this very special list,” said Warren Packard, Thuuz CEO. “This amazing cross section from around the world shows the global nature of sports fandom and provides us with a unique snapshot on what really made hearts pound the last ten years.”

Using their custom designed algorithms to measure real-time event excitement, Thuuz provides a unique look into what games have gotten fans the most excited and engaged through the close of 2019.  

The game excitement ratings are measured on a 0 to 100 scale and take into consideration game pace, team parity, play novelty, momentum shifts, social buzz, and historical context. The algorithms behind the excitement ratings are statistically calibrated to insure the appropriate distribution of ratings across the duration of a season or course of a tournament.

Using the Thuuz excitement measurement platform, the top ten most exciting games of the decade were:

New England Patriots 34, Atlanta Falcons 28 (NFL): 2/5/2017. The Patriots rally to claim their Super Bowl title in one of the greatest comebacks in NFL history. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=016LXFHpFCk

Clemson 35, Alabama 31 (NCAAF): 1/9/2017. Dabo Sweeny’s Tigers win the National Championship with one second remaining. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5c_a03t-Ls

St. Louis Cardinals 10 Texas Rangers 9 (MLB): 10/27/2011 David Freese late game heroics created an instant heart stopping classic and helped lead the Cardinals to the World Series title. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4cd3XzzqMw

FC Barcelona 6 PSG 1 (UCL): 3/8/2017 Barca was down 4-0 after 1st leg and had to rally with a massive comeback, the greatest comeback in Champions League 2 leg history. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CgHT6_leeI

Chicago Cubs 8, Cleveland Indians 7 (MLB): 11/2/2016: The “Curse of the Billygoat” finally ends in Wrigleyville. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdtu2pAn-HM

Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7 (5), 7-5 (ATP): 1/29/2012: Probably the greatest tennis match ever in 5+ hour epic took place Down Under in the Australian Open final  Aussie Open Final. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kaaXz4IgrA

Miami Heat 103 San Antonio Spurs 100 (NBA): 6/17/2013: Ray Allen’s game winner is one for the history books. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZoJI05kBBw

New Zealand 241/8 & 15/1, England 241 & 15/0 (Cricket): 7/14/2019: A Super Over ends an epic series. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtCS0WGZH4k

Los Angeles Kings 5, Chicago Blackhawks 4 (NHL): 6/1/2014 A Game 7 OT in what was the best hockey series of the decade. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zN8LyDkMLmE

Villanova Wildcats 77, North Carolina Tar Heels 74 (NCAAMB): 4/4/2016: Villanova goes end to end with Kris Jenkins buzzer beater giving the Wildcats the national title. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFKZ84aV-qw

[junker-town]

What recent history tells us to expect from World Series Game 7

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Will the Nationals and Astros give us a classic or a clunker?

The 2019 Major League Baseball season is down to just one game remaining on its schedule, a combination of words that evoke some of the great memories and hopes of what this provide can provide — Game 7 of the World Series.

How the Washington Nationals and Houston Astros got here is as strange a path as we have ever seen in the Fall Classic. The road team has won all six games, the first time any World Series has featured six road victories. That the Astros — who during the regular season were the first team to win 60 home games in 21 years — have lose three straight times at Minute Maid Park is surprising.

But in major league history a road triumph is fairly common. Home teams are just 18-21 (.462) in winner-take-all Game 7s in the World Series, compared to the .546 winning percentage for all home games in the history of the Fall Classic. The last three World Series Game 7s were won by the road team.

In recent World Series history, there have been some absolutely wonderful Game 7 moments that will be remembered for decades. But there have also been some duds. Let’s look at the eight Game 7s from the last 30 years of World Series play.

The walk-offs

1991 — Twins 1, Braves 0 (10 innings): One of the truly great games in baseball history, this was a pitchers duel to the extreme, with Jack Morris providing potent ammo for his Hall of Fame case with a remarkable 10 shutout innings. John Smoltz was in his first of what would be many postseasons in his career, and the 24-year-old was up to the challenge with scoreless ball into the eighth inning. A Dan Gladden double to lead off the 10th inning led to a pair of intentional walks, loading the bases with nobody out. Gene Larkin’s pop fly would have been a sacrifice fly had it been caught, but instead dropped behind a shallow outfield for a single. Either way, the Twins were champions. That series was the polar opposite of this year, with the home team winning all seven games.

2001 — Diamondbacks 3, Yankees 2: A fourth straight Yankees championship (and a fifth in six seasons) was thwarted in Phoenix, thanks to the only postseason loss by unanimous Hall of Fame closer Mariano Rivera. The winning run was scored on a soft line drive by Luis Gonzalez over a drawn-in infield, giving Arizona a championship in just its fourth season as a franchise. Much like the two World Series teams this year, the D-backs were fueled by a dynamic duo atop their rotation. Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling combined for a ridiculous 1.30 ERA and 103 strikeouts that postseason, and got all but one out in Game 7. They shared World Series MVP honors.

1997 — Marlins 3, Indians 2 (11): Another quick expansion success story! Wayne Huizenga’s Marlins got good fast by spending money, and though more known for the tear down that followed, this championship flag flies forever. The Indians had a fantastic three-year run that featured two pennants, and held a one-run lead in the ninth inning of Game 7, only to have Jose Mesa cough up the lead. Craig Counsell drove in the tying run in the ninth then scored the winning run in the 11th on a single up the middle by 21-year-old shortstop Edgar Renteria.

The road nail-biters

2016 — Cubs 8, Indians 7 (10): This game had just about everything, including a go-ahead home run by veteran catcher David Ross, who within three years would be named to manage Chicago (with brief sojourns in the broadcast booth and a dancing competition television show in between). It was a battle of curses, with the Indians looking for their first title in 68 years, though that paled in comparison to the 108-year wait for the Cubs. Rajai Davis hit a game-tying home run in the eighth inning to get the Cleveland crowd jumping, and drove in another run in the 10th. But it wasn’t enough, as RBI hits by Ben Zobrist and Miguel Montero in the top of the frame provided the cushion Chicago needed for its long-awaited championship.

2014 — Giants 3, Royals 2: This was the postseason when Madison Bumgarner became a legend, pitching more than anybody ever has in the postseason (52⅔ innings) while posting a minuscule 1.03 ERA. In the World Series he was even more stingy, allowing one total run in 16 innings in his two starts, including a shutout in Game 5. Then on just two days rest the Giants ace pitched five more shutout innings, this time in relief to close out the win and San Francisco’s third title in five years. He even survived late drama when Alex Gordon singled with two outs and advanced to third on an error in the outfield. But he was left stranded 90 feet from home, forcing Kansas City to wait (all of one more year) to end its own championship drought.

The calm after the Game 6 storm

2002 — Angels 4, Giants 1: The Halos won their first championship by winning the final two games of the World Series at home, but the more memorable of the two was a comeback win the night before in Game 6. Dusty Baker removed Russ Ortiz from the game up 5-0 with a pair of runners on in the seventh inning, famously handing his starting pitcher the ball as he walked off. The Angels rallied for six late runs to stay alive, then scored all four of their Game 7 runs in the first two innings, making for a rather boring finale (except for the home fans celebrating the win, of course).

2011 — Cardinals 6, Rangers 2: Texas was one strike away from its first title when David Freese flew out to right field tripled over the head of Nelson Cruz to tie the game in the ninth inning of Game 6. Freese then ended it in the 11th with a walk-off home run, giving us the familial homage call from Joe Buck, “We’ll see you tomorrow night.”

Tomorrow night was another Cardinals win, though with little dramatics. St. Louis won relatively easily, with Freese again providing a spark with a two-run double. Freese will never have to pay for a meal in St. Louis again thanks to his 2011 postseason, during which he hit an absurd .397/.465/.794, setting postseason records with 14 extra-base hits and 21 RBI.

The clunker

Astros 5, Dodgers 1: Our most recent World Series Game 7 was rather anticlimactic. Houston scored all five runs in the first two innings, chasing a pitch-tipping Yu Darvish for the second time in the series. Overall this series was exciting, though its two signature contests were Game 2 and Game 5, both extra-inning affairs won by the Astros. This game two years ago at Dodger Stadium, which won the Astros their first championship, featured both teams using two starting pitchers in relief.

Might we see some similar shenanigans on Wednesday between the Nationals and Astros? It is Game 7 after all, with all winter to rest up.

[pelotacubanausa]

Suárez cerrando impecable, Nolan con día de rutina, Grandal en jornada aciaga.

Por: Javier González

El zurdo miamense Andrew Suárez tiró dos tercios en la derrota de Gigantes 9-2 ante sus eternos rivales en áreas de la bahía de San Francisco.

Suárez entró en la parte alta del séptimo capítulo, con un out en la pizarra y un corredor en la inicial, a enfrentar al bateador emergente David Freese. Apenas un envío utilizó el cubanoamericano para obligar a su rival a conectar…

[pocketbeer9-blog]

Los Angeles Dodgers payroll worksheet

This is an overview look at the Los Angeles Dodgers’ payroll, with details about every player on the 40-man roster, plus several others.

This counts payroll as the payments actually happen, rather than average annual value. We will track the competitive balance tax and related issues in separate posts as needed. This worksheet is more a resource to use throughout the season and offseason, and will be updated accordingly.

Below you will find details on service time, roster status, and contract information for every Dodger. Service time is in days and years, so 4.123 means four years, 123 days of major league service time. The season is 187 days long, with 172 days accrued needed for a full season. The minor league season is 153 days long.

The minimum major league salary for 2019 is $555,000 in 2019.

Some of these values (in italics) are estimated. For the old payroll worksheet, click here. I have also added a column for 2018 with the Dodgers’ payroll as it relates to the competitive balance tax. That column is in bold.

Dodgers payroll

Pos Player Service Options (used) 2018 $$ 2018 CBT 2019 $$ 2020 $$ 2021 $$

Pos Player Service Options (used) 2018 $$ 2018 CBT 2019 $$ 2020 $$ 2021 $$

C Austin Barnes 1.124 1 (2015-16) $555,000 $555,000 team arb arb 1B Max Muncy 1.031 1 (2015-16) $491,176 $491,176 team arb arb IF/OF Kiké Hernandez 3.054 1 (2014-15) $1,600,000 $1,600,000 arb arb 3B Justin Turner 7.045 n/a $11,000,000 $16,000,000 $18,000,000 $19,000,000 SS Corey Seager 2.032 3 (none) $605,000 $605,000 arb arb arb OF/IF Chris Taylor 2.031 1 (2015-16) $575,000 $575,000 arb arb arb CF/1B Cody Bellinger 0.160 3 (none) $585,000 $585,000 team arb arb RF Yasiel Puig 4.102 0 (2012-13, 2016) $7,500,000 $6,000,000 arb OF Joc Pederson 3.023 3 (none) $2,600,000 $2,600,000 arb arb OF Matt Kemp 11.049 n/a $21,500,000 $20,000,000 $21,500,000 1B/3B David Freese 8.028 n/a $681,818 $882,353 $500,000 OF Alex Verdugo 0.031 3 (none) $134,679 $212,539 team team OF Andrew Toles 1.087 3 (none) $121,684 $366,978 team team IF/C Kyle Farmer 0.046 2 (2017) $243,008 $299,369 team team PR/OF Tim Locastro 0.003 3 (none) $122,406 $202,590 team team C Rocky Gale 0.047 3 (none) $85,294 $85,294 team team SP Clayton Kershaw 9.105 n/a $33,000,000 $30,714,286 $32,000,000 $33,000,000 SP Walker Buehler 0.026 3 (none) $412,821 $434,901 team team team SP Rich Hill 8.127 n/a $16,000,000 $16,000,000 $18,000,000 SP Kenta Maeda 2.000 3 (none) $6,150,000 $6,275,000 $3,000,000 $3,000,000 $3,000,000 SP Alex Wood 4.123 3 (none) $6,000,000 $6,000,000 arb CL Kenley Jansen 7.073 n/a $10,000,000 $16,000,000 $18,000,000 $18,000,000 $20,000,000 RHP Pedro Baez 3.059 2 (2014) $1,500,000 $1,500,000 arb arb RHP Ross Stripling 1.112 2 (2016) $555,000 $555,000 team arb arb RHP Dylan Floro 0.056 1 (2016-17) $285,561 $285,561 team team arb LHP Scott Alexander 1.097 2 (2016) $555,000 $555,000 team arb arb LHP Caleb Ferguson 0.000 3 (none) $348,443 $348,443 team team team LHP Julio Urias 0.123 1 (2016-17) $500,000 $500,000 team team arb RHP Josh Fields 4.083 1 (2016-17) $2,200,000 $2,200,000 arb SHP Pat Venditte 1.017 2 (2016) $264,706 $298,039 LHP Zac Rosscup 2.164 0 (2014-15, 2017) $267,487 $267,487 arb arb arb RHP Yimi Garcia 3.004 1 (2014-15) $630,000 $630,000 arb arb RHP J.T. Chargois 0.084 1 (2016-17) $550,000 $550,000 team team arb LHP Tony CIngrani 4.088 0 (2013-15) $2,300,000 $2,300,000 arb RHP Tom Koehler 4.152 0 (2012-13, 2017) $2,000,000 $2,000,000 arb RHP Dennis Santana 0.000 3 (none) $361,390 $377,387 RHP Brock Stewart 1.007 1 (2016-17) $178,075 $374,153 RHP Erik Goeddel 2.057 0 (2014, 2016-17) $436,364 $436,364 arb arb arb FA Yasmani Grandal 5.115 1 (2011-12) $7,900,000 $7,900,000 FA Manny Machado 5.056 n/a $6,331,551 $6,331,551 FA Brian Dozier 5.100 n/a $2,983,957 $1,657,754 FA Daniel Hudson 7.117 2 (2010) $466,310 $466,310 FA Hyun-jin Ryu 5.000 n/a $7,000,000 $6,000,000 FA Ryan Madson 12.155 n/a $1,243,316 $1,215,686 FA John Axford 7.118 n/a $497,326 $497,326 Ret. Chase Utley 14.027 n/a $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 Off 40-man roster AAA Yaisel Sierra 0.000 2 (2016) $3,500,000 $4,000,000 $5,500,000 $7,500,000 AZL Erisbel Arruebarrena 0.074 2 (2014) $5,000,000 AAA Edward Paredes 0.070 1 (2010-11) $108,329 $143,773 AAA Zach Neal 0.145 1 (2016-17) $11,765 $11,765 DFA Adam Liberatore 2.086 1 (2015, 2017) $78,556 $251,574 DFA Rob Segedin 1.038 2 (2017) $250,000 Ariel Hernandez 0.063 2 (2017) $68,563 Wilmer Font $82,353 $82,353 Logan Forsythe $6,016,043 $6,016,043 Howie Kendrick $5,000,000 Andre Ethier $2,500,000 Scott Kazmir $8,000,000 $8,000,000 Cash to San Diego $3,500,000 $3,500,000 $3,500,000 Cash to Atlanta $4,500,000 $4,500,000 Cash to White Sox $2,000,000 $2,000,000 Team benefit costs $14,044,600 Totals $191,568,242 $194,553,042 $127,500,000 $86,500,000 $30,500,000

Service time and options are updated through the end of 2018 season

Scott Alexander

The left-hander was acquired from Kansas City in a three-team trade on Jan. 4, 2018.

As part of the trade the Dodgers will send $3 million to the White Sox -- $1.5 million each on June 1 and Sept. 1, 2018. The Royals will send $500,000 to the Dodgers on each of those dates.

Erisbel Arruebarrena

The Cuban infielder signed a five-year, $25 million contract on Feb. 22, 2014.

$7.5 million signing bonus 2014: $1.5 million 2015: $3 million 2016: $4 million 2017: $4 million 2018: $5 million

***

Arruebarrena was suspended by the club on May 4, 2016 for the remainder of the season, meaning he will lose 152 days of salary. $4,000,000 x 31/183 = $677,596

***

Arruebarrena was designated for assignment on Dec. 31, 2014. He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Jan. 9, 2015.

The Dodgers suspended Arruebarrena on May 21, 2015 for the remainder of the 2015 season for repeated violations of his contract. That suspension was reduced on appeal to 30 days. $3,000,000 x 153/183 = $2,508,197

***

Arruebarrena will still need six years of service time before reaching free agency.

Arruebarrena was recalled from Triple-A on May 21 and was optioned on June 6, earning 16 days of service time.

Arruebarrena was recalled from Triple-A on July 3 and was optioned on July 27, earning 24 days of service time.

He was recalled from Triple-A on Aug. 19, then optioned to Class-A Rancho on Aug. 24, earning five days of service time.

Arruebarrena was recalled from Class-A on Sep. 2, with 27 days left in the regular season.

Luis Avilan

Avilan was traded to the White Sox in a three-team deal on Jan. 4, 2018. The Dodgers sent $2 million to Chicago in the deal.

***

Avilan signed a one-year deal, avoiding salary arbitration on Jan. 13, 2017.

2017: $1.5 million

***

The left-hander agreed to a one-year deal, avoiding salary arbitration on Jan. 15, 2016.

2016: $1.39 million

Avilan was recalled from Triple-A on April 21, then optioned back to Oklahoma City on April 25, earning four days of service time.

Avilan was recalled on May 23, then optioned back to Triple-A on May 26, earning three more days of service time.

He was recalled again on July 5, then optioned on July 7, earning two more days of service time.

Avilan was recalled on July 19, then optioned on Aug. 12, earning 24 more days of service time.

Avilan was recalled again on Aug. 23, then optioned on Aug. 25, earning 2 more days of service time.

Avilan was called up for 1 day as the 26th man on Aug. 31, earning 1 day of service time.

Avilan was recalled on Sept. 5, with 28 days remaining in the regular season.

****

2015: $530,000

Avilan was acquired from the Braves in a three-team, 13-player deal on July 30, 2015, with 67 days left in the regular season. $530,000 x 67/183 = $194,044.

John Axford

Dozier was acquired from Toronto on July 31, 2018, with 62 days left in the season. $1.5 million x 62/187 = $497,326

Dylan Baker

The right-hander was acquired via trade from Milwaukee on Jan. 2, 2018.

Austin Barnes

2017: $540,000

***

2016: $512,500

Barnes was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Apr. 15, earning 12 days of major league service time.

$512,500 x 12/183 = $33,607

Barnes was recalled from Triple-A on June 5, then optioned on June 14, earning 9 days of service time.

$512,500 x 9/183 = $25,205

Barnes was recalled from Triple-A on July 22, then optioned on July 31, earning 9 days of service time.

$512,500 x 9/183 = $25,205

Barnes was recalled from Triple-A on Sept. 2, with 31 days left in the regular season.

$512,500 x 31/183 = $86,817

***

The catcher/infielder came to Los Angeles as part of an eight-player, three-team trade between the Marlins and Angels on Dec. 10, 2014.

2015: $507,500

Barnes was recalled on May 23, then optioned on June 2 in between games of a doubleheader, earning 11 days of service time. $507,500 x 11/183 = $30,505

Barnes was recalled on July 20, then optioned on Aug. 4, earning 15 days of major league service time. $507,500 x 15/183 = $41,598

Barnes was recalled on Aug. 31, with 35 days left in the season. $507,500 x 35/183 = $97,063

Pedro Baez

He signed a one-year deal on Jan. 11, 2018, avoiding salary arbitration.

2017: $1.5 million

***

2016: $520,000

He signed a one-year deal on March 10, 2015.

Baez was optioned to Double-A on Aug. 30, earning 149 days of service time. $520,000 x 149/183 = $423,388

Baez was recalled on Sept. 6, with 27 days left in the regular season. $520,000 x 27/183 = $76,721

***

2015: $512,500

***

The third baseman turned pitcher was added to the 40-man roster on Nov. 20, 2013

2014: $500,000

Baez was recalled to the Dodgers on May 5, and was optioned to Double-A on May 6, earning one day of service time. $500,000 x 1/183 = $2,732

Baez was recalled to the Dodgers on July 8, and was optioned to Triple-A after the game on July 13, earning six days of service time. $500,000 x 6/183 = $16,393

Baez was recalled to the Dodgers on Aug. 5, then was optioned to Triple-A on Aug. 11. He was recalled back on Aug. 15 replacing an injured Hyun-jin Ryu, canceling the option; from Aug. 5 there are 55 days left in the regular season. $500,000 x 55/183 = $150,273

Cody Bellinger

2017: $535,000

Bellinger was called up from Triple-A on Apr. 25, with 160 days remaining in the regular season. $535,000 x 160/183 = $467,760

Walker Buehler

2018: $547,500 ($88,900 in minors)

Buehler was up for 73 days (Apr. 23, Apr. 28, then May 4 to July 14). $547,500 x 73/187 = $213,730

Buehler was called up on July 25, with 68 days days left in the season. $547,500 x 68/187 = $199,091

That leaves 38 total days in the minors $88,900 x 38/153 = $22,080

***

2017: $535,000

Buehler was called up from Triple-A on Sept. 6, 2017, with 26 days remaining in the regular season. $535,000 x 26/183 = $76,011

Fabio Castillo

The Dodgers purchased Castillo’s contract — adding him to the 40-man roster — and optioned him to Triple-A on June 8, 2017.

2017: $535,000

Castillo was recalled from Triple-A on Sept. 1, 2017, then designated for assignment on Sept. 6, earning 5 days of service time. $535,000 x 5/183 = $14,617

J.T. Chargois

The right-hander was claimed off waivers from the Twins on Feb. 23, 2018.

Tony Cingrani

Cingrani avoided salary arbitration with a one-year deal on Jan. 12, 2018.

2018: $2.3 million

***

Cingrani was acquired from the Reds for outfielder Scott Van Slyke and catcher Hendrik Clementina on July 31, 2017.

The left-hander avoided arbitration in 2017 with a one-year, $1.825 million contract. He was acquired with 62 days remaining in the regular season.

$1.825 million x 62/183 = $618,306

Carl Crawford

The Dodgers designated Crawford for assignment on June 5, 2016. He was released on June 13.

***

Crawford was acquired from the Red Sox in the nine-player Punto Trade on Aug. 25, 2012, in the second year of a seven-year, $142 million contract.

2012: $19.5 million 2013: $20 million 2014: $20.25 million 2015: $20.5 million 2016: $20.75 million 2017: $21 million

In 2012, Crawford was acquired with 40 days left in the season. $19,500,000 x 40/183 = $4,262,295

Crawford can earn up to $625,000 annually in performance bonuses:

$50,000 for being named an All-Star $75,000 for League Championship Series MVP $100,000 for Gold Glove $100,000 for Silver Slugger $100,000 for World Series MVP $200,000 for MVP award $125,000 for second place in MVP vote $100,000 for third place in MVP vote $75,000 for fourth place in MVP vote $50,000 for fifth place in MVP vote

Crawford earned no bonuses with the Dodgers.

Charlie Culberson

Culberson was traded to the Braves on Dec. 16, 2017.

Culberson signed a one-year contract on Dec. 1, 2016.

2017: $550,000

He was sent outright to Triple-A on Dec. 9, 2016.

The Dodgers selected Culberson’s contract from Triple-A on Sept. 4, 2017, with 28 days remaining in the regular season.

***

The utility infielder signed a minor league contract with a non-roster invitation to spring training on Nov. 19, 2015.

2016: $535,000

Culberson made the opening day roster. He was optioned to Triple-A on May 18, after 45 days on the major league roster. $535,000 x 45/183 = $131,557

Culberson was recalled from Triple-A on July 20, then optioned back on July 21, earning one more day. $535,000 x 1/183 = $2,923

Culberson was recalled from Triple-A on Aug. 23, with 41 days remaining in the regular season. $535,000 x 41/183 = $119,863

Yu Darvish

Darvish was acquired from the Rangers for second baseman Willie Calhoun, pitcher A.J. Alexy, and infielder Brendan Davis on July 31, 2017.

Darvish is in the final season of his contract, earning $11 million in 2017. He was acquired with 62 days remaining in the regular season. $11 million x 62/183 = $3,726,776

Grant Dayton

Dayton was claimed off waivers by the Braves on Nov. 20, 2017.

***

2017: $540,000

Dayton was optioned to Triple-A on May 16, earning 44 days of service time. $540,000 x 44/183 = $129,836

Dayton was recalled from Triple-A on June 1, with 123 days remaining in the regular season. $540,000 x 123/183 = $362,951

***

Dayton was acquired from the Marlins for Chris Reed on July 15, 2015.

2016: $507,500

The Dodgers purchased Dayton's contract from Triple-A on July 21, 2016, then optioned him to Triple-A on July 23, earning 2 days of service time. $507,500 x 2/183 = $5,546

Dayton was called up to the majors on Aug. 4, with 60 days left in the regular season. $507,500 x 60/183 = $166,393

O`Koyea Dickson

2017: $535,000

Dickson’s contract was purchased from Triple-A on Sept. 1, 2017, with 31 days left in the regular season. $535,000 x 31/183 = $90,628

Brian Dozier

Dozier was acquired from Minnesota on July 31, 2018, with 62 days left in the season. $9 million x 62/187 = $2,983,957

Dozier is making $9 million in 2018 but it’s the final year of a four-year, $20 million deal. So his CBT number is $5 million for the whole season $5 million x 62/187 = $1,657,754

Brett Eibner

Eibner was acquired from Oakland for minor leaguer Jordan Tarsovich on Jan. 25, 2017.

I don’t have Eibner’s salary for 2017, but I will assume $540,000.

Eibner was recalled on Apr. 19, then optioned on Apr. 25, earning 6 days of service time. $540,000 x 6/183 = $17,705

Eibner was recalled on May 10, then optioned on June 9, earning 40 days of service time. $540,000 x 40/183 = $118,033

Andre Ethier

The Dodgers declined Ethier’s $17.5 million option for 2018 on Nov. 5, 2017, instead paying him a $2.5 million buyout.

***

Ethier signed a five-year extension on June 12, 2012 worth a guaranteed $85 million. The deal also has a vesting option for a sixth season, based on plate appearances in 2017 or 2016-2017, that could bring the total value of the deal to $100 million. The payout:

2013: $13.5 million 2014: $15.5 million 2015: $18 million 2016: $18 million 2017: $17.5 million 2018: $17.5 million club option (or $2.5 million buyout)

The 2018 option vests if Ethier has 550 plate appearances in 2017, or 1,100 plate appearances in 2016-17.

2012: signed a one-year deal worth $10.95 million on January 17, 2012, plus incentives, avoiding salary arbitration. Ethier can earn up to $50,000 in performance bonuses based on plate appearances:

$25,000 for 600 PA - earned October 1 $25,000 for 625 PA

Ethier signed a two-year deal on January 19, 2010, avoiding salary arbitration. The deal was worth a total of $15.25 million:

$500,000 signing bonus 2010: $5.5 million 2011: $9.25 million

In addition, Ethier can earn up to $375,000 in incentives in 2010-2011:

Annually (2010-2011)

$25,000 for 600 PA $50,000 for 650 PA $50,000 for 675 PA

Achieving those incentives in 2010 (he didn't) would have also added those amounts to Ethier's 2011 base salary. Ethier didn't earn any bonuses in 2010 or 2011.

2009: Avoided arbitration with a one-year deal on Feb. 17, 2009 worth $3.1 million, plus potential for $100,000 in incentives:

$25,000 for 596 plate appearances -- achieved September 8 $25,000 for 625 PA -- achieved September 15 (PA #625 was his sixth walk-off!) $50,000 for 650 PA -- achieved September 23

Kyle Farmer

2018: $547,500 ($88,900 in minors)

Farmer was up for 53 days (from opening day to May 15, then June 15-20). $547,500 x 53/187 = $155,174

Farmer was called up Sept. 1, with 30 days remaining in the regular season. $547,500 x 30/187 = $87,834

That leaves 97 days in the minors $88,900 x 97/153 = $56,361

***

2017: $535,000

Farmer was recalled from Triple-A on July 28, and optioned on Aug. 13, earning 16 days of service time. $535,000 x 16/183 = $46,776

Farmer was recalled on Aug. 23 and optioned on Aug. 30, earning 7 days of service time. $535,000 x 7/183 = $20,464

Farmer was recalled on Sept. 9, with 23 days remaining in the regular season. $535,000 x 23/183 = $67,240

He was added to the 40-man roster on Nov. 18, 2016.

Caleb Ferguson

2018: $545,000

Ferguson was called up on June 6, with 117 days remaining in the season. $545,000 x 117/187 = $348,443

Josh Fields

Fields agreed to a 1-year deal, avoiding salary arbitration on Jan. 12, 2018.

2018: $2.2 million

Fields agreed to a 1-year deal, avoiding salary arbitration on Jan. 13, 2017.

2017: $1.05 million

Fields was optioned to Triple-A on March 28.

He was recalled from Triple-A on April 7, then optioned back to Triple-A on June 19, earning 73 days of service time.

Fields was recalled from Triple-A on July 1, with 93 days remaining in the regular season.

***

Fields was acquired from the Astros on Aug. 1, 2016.

2016: $900,000

Fields was acquired with 62 days remaining in the regular season. $900,000 x 62/183 = $304,918

Fields was recalled on Aug. 3, then was optioned on Aug. 23, earning 20 days of service time.

Fields was recalled on Sept. 2, with 31 days left in the regular season.

Dylan Floro

Floro was acquired from Cincinnati on July 4, with 89 days remaining in the season. I don’t have his salary, but will estimate $600,000. $600,000 x 87/187 = $285,561

Wilmer Font

2018: $555,000

Font made the opening day roster and was traded to Oakland on Apr. 24, lasting for 28 days. $555,000 x 28/187 = $82,353

2017: $535,000

Font’s contract was purchased from Triple-A on Sept. 1, 2017, with 30 days left in the regular season. $535,000 x 31/183 = $87,705

Mike Freeman

Freeman was claimed off waivers from the Mariners on May 26, 2017.

I don’t have his salary, but I am estimating $540,000 for 2017.

Freeman was recalled from Triple-A on June 25, then optioned to Triple-A on July 1, earning 6 days of service time. $540,000 x 6/183 = $17,705

The Dodgers designated Freeman for assignment on July 31. He was sent outright to the minors on Aug. 5, but refused the assignment and became a free agent.

David Freese

Freese was acquired from Pittsburgh On Aug. 31, 2018, with 30 days left in the season, the second year of his 2-year, $11 million contract:

2018: $4.25 million 2019: $6 million option ($500,000 buyout)

$4.25 million x 30/187 = $681,818

Logan Forsythe

Forsythe was traded to Minnesota on July 31, 2018, meaning he was with the Dodgers for 125 days. $9 million x 125/187 = $6,016,043

The Dodgers exercised Forsythe’s club option for 2018 on Nov. 6, 2017.

The Dodgers acquired Forsythe from the Rays on Jan. 23, 2017.

2017: $5.75 million 2018: $9 million club option ($1 million buyout)

Forsythe's option for 2018 was originally worth $8.5 million, part of his two-year deal signed with Tampa Bay in January 2016. The option value increased by $500,000 with at least 550 plate appearances in 2016 (he had 567), and can increase by up to $1.5 million more based on Forsythe's 2017 plate appearances:

$500,000 for 533 PA (1,100 combined in 2016-2017) $500,000 for 550 PA $500,000 for 600 PA

Rocky Gale

Gale signed a minor league contract with the Dodgers on Feb. 26, 2018. He was called up on Sept. 2, with 29 days left in the regular season. I don’t have his salary, but will assume $550,000. $550,000 x 29/187 = $85,294

Yimi Garcia

2018: $630,000

Garcia signed a 1-year deal on Dec. 1, 2017, avoiding salary arbitration.

***

2017: $550,000

***

2016: $517,500

He signed a one-year deal on March 10, 2015.

2015: $510,000

Garcia made the opening day roster, then was optioned on July 8, earning 94 days of service time $510,000 x 94/183 = $261,967

Garcia was recalled on July 26, then was optioned on Aug. 2, earning seven days of service time $510,000 x 7/183 = $19,508

Garcia was recalled on Aug. 11, then was optioned on Aug. 24, earning 13 days of service time. $510,000 x 13/183 = $36,230

Garcia was recalled on Sept. 3, with 32 days left in the season. $510,000 x 32/183 = $89,180

***

The relief pitcher was added to the 40-man roster on Nov. 20, 2013.

2014: $500,000

Garcia was recalled on Sep. 1, with 28 days left in the regular season. $500,000 x 28/183 = $76,503

Erik Goeddel

Goeddel was claimed off waivers from Seattle on May 18, with 136 days remaining in the season. I don’t have his salary for 2018, but will assume $600,000. $600,000 x 136/187 = $436,364

Adrian Gonzalez

Gonzalez was traded to the Braves on Dec. 16, 2017.

***

Gonzalez was acquired from the Red Sox in the nine-player Punto Trade on Aug. 25, 2012, in the first year of a seven-year, $154 million contract.

$6 million signing bonus 2012: $21 million 2013: $21 million 2014: $21 million 2015: $21 million 2016: $21 million 2017: $21.5 million 2018: $21.5 million

In 2012, Gonzalez was acquired with 40 days left in the season: $21,000,000 x 40/183 = $4,590,164

Gonzalez can earn $100,000 annually if he wins a Gold Glove Award. He earned that bonus with the Dodgers in 2014.

The Red Sox agreed to pay the Dodgers $11.7 million as part of the nine-player Punto Trade on Aug. 25, 2012, to be paid out in three installments:

2013: $3.9 million 2014: $3.9 million 2015: $3.9 million

Yasmani Grandal

He signed a one-year deal on Jan. 11, 2018, avoiding salary arbitration.

2017: $7.9 million

***

Grandal signed a 1-year deal, avoiding salary arbitration on Jan. 13, 2017.

2017: $5.5 million

***

Grandal avoided arbitration with a one-year deal on Jan. 15, 2016.

2016: $2.8 million

****

The catcher was traded to Los Angeles on Dec. 18, 2014.

He signed a one-year deal on March 10, 2015.

2015: $693,000

Curtis Granderson

Granderson was acquired from the Mets for a player to be named later (Jacob Rhame) after the game on Aug. 18, 2017, with 44 days remaining in the season. He is in the final seasonof a four-year contract.

2017: $15 million

$15 million x 44/183 = $3,606,557

The Mets are sending cash in the deal as well.

Alex Guerrero

Guerrero was designated for assignment on May 31, 2016, removing him from the 40-man roster. He was released on June 8, 2016.

***

The Dodgers signed the Cuban infielder to a four-year, $28 million contract on Oct. 22, 2013. The payout is as follows:

$10 million signing bonus 2014: $4 million 2015: $4 million 2016: $5 million 2017: $5 million

In addition, Guerrero can earn up to $1 million annually in performance bonuses, for plate appearances from 500-600.

After the 2014 season, Guerrero can't be sent to the minor leagues without his consent, and he will be a free agent after the 2017 season (the Dodgers can't offer him arbitration.

If Guerrero is traded, he can become a free agent at the end of that season.

***

Guerrero was optioned to Triple-A on March 24, earning two days of service time for the trip to Australia.

Guerrero was recalled from Triple-A on Sep. 1, with 28 days remaining in the regular season.

Franklin Gutierrez

The outfielder signed a one-year deal on Feb. 20, 2017.

2017: $2.6 million

Gutierrez can also earn up to $400,000 in performance bonuses:

$100,000 for 400 PA $100,000 for 450 PA $200,000 for 500 PA

Chris Hatcher

Hatcher avoided salary arbitration with a one-year deal on Dec. 1, 2016.

2017: $1.25 million

Hatcher was traded to Oakland for $500,000 in international amateur bonus space on Aug. 15, 2017. He was with the Dodgers for 136 days of the regular season. $1.25 million x 136/183 = $928,962

***

The pitcher avoided salary arbitration with a one-year deal on Jan. 13, 2016.

2016: $1.065 million

***

The relief pitcher came to Los Angeles as part of an eight-player, three-team trade between the Marlins and Angels on Dec. 10, 2014.

He signed a one-year deal on March 10, 2015.

2015: $522,500

Kike Hernandez

Hernandez avoided salary arbitration with a 1-year deal on Jan. 12, 2018.

2018: $1.6 million

***

2017: $555,000

***

2016: $520,000

***

The utiiity came to Los Angeles as part of an eight-player, three-team trade between the Marlins and Angels on Dec. 10, 2014.

He signed a one-year deal on March 10, 2015.

2015: $512,500

Hernandez was recalled on April 28, with 159 days remaining in the season. $512,500 x 159/183 = $445,287

Rich Hill

Hill signed a three-year, $48 million free agent contract on Dec. 5, 2016.

$2 million signing bonus 2017: $12 million 2018: $16 million 2019: $18 million

***

Hill was acquired from the A's on Aug. 1, 2016.

2016: $6,000,000

Hill was acquired with 62 days remaining in the regular season. $6,000,000 x 62/183 = $2,032,787

Daniel Hudson

2018: $545,000

Hudson was called up on Apr. 24, with 160 days remaining in the season. $545,000 x 160/187 = $466,310

Kenley Jansen

Jansen signed a five-year, $80 million contract to return to the Dodgers on Jan. 10, 2017.

$4 million signing bonus 2017: $10 million 2018: $10 million 2019: $18 million 2020: $18 million 2021: $20 million

Jansen can opt out and become a free agent after the 2019 season.

He receives a $1 million bonus each time he is traded.

****

Jansen avoided arbitration with a one-year contract on Jan. 15, 2016.

2016: $10.65 million

Jansen signed a one-year deal on Jan. 16, 2015, avoiding salary arbitration.

2015: $7.425 million

The closer signed a one-year deal on Feb. 11, 2014, avoiding salary arbitration.

2014: $4.3 million

Jansen filed at $5.05 million for 2014 while the Dodgers countered at $3.5 million, a midpoint of $4.275 million.

2013: $512,000

2012: $491,000

2011: $416,000

Jansen was optioned to Double A Chattanooga on May 1, but he was recalled on May 6 to replace the injured Jonathan Broxton, so Jansen gets credit for service time as if he was never sent down.

2010: His salary is estimated to be $400,000, and he was recalled on July 23, with 73 days left in the regular season.

$400,000 x 73/183 = $159,563

Scott Kazmir

Kazmir was traded to the Braves on Dec. 16, 2017.

***

The left-hander signed a three-year, $48 million contract with the Dodgers on Dec. 30, 2015.

$5 million signing bonus 2016: $11 million ($8 million deferred to Dec. 15, 2019) 2017: $16 million ($8 million deferred to Dec. 15, 2020) 2018: $16 million ($8 million deferred to Dec. 15, 2021)

Kazmir could opted out of the contract after one year (2016). If he did opt out, Kazmir would have received the $8 million deferred from 2016 by Jan. 15, 2017. Kazmir did not opt out.

Because of the deferred money, MLB values the total deal at $44,954,652 rather than $48 million. The MLBPA, which uses a slightly different valuation method, counts the total deal as $45,335,913.

Matt Kemp

Kemp was reacquired in a 5-player trade on Dec. 16, 2017, with two years remaining on his contract.

2018: $21.5 million 2019: $21.5 million

***

Kemp was traded to the Padres in a five-player trade on Dec. 18, 2014.

The Dodgers are sending $32 million to San Diego in the trade, with over half paid in 2015.

2015: $18 million ($3 million on the first of every month April through August) 2016: $3.5 million 2017: $3.5 million 2018: $3.5 million 2019: $3.5 million

The $3.5 million each year from 2016-2019 is paid $600,000 on the first of each month April through August, followed by $500,000 on Sept 1.

***

Signed an eight-year, $160 million contract extension on November 17, 2011, covering his final year of arbitration plus seven more seasons. It was the largest contract in Dodgers history and at the time it was signed the largest deal in National League history:

$2 million signing bonus, payable on April 15, 2012. 2012: $10 million (of which $2 million is deferred to April 15, 2013) 2013: $20 million salary + $2 million deferred from 2012 2014: $21 million 2015: $21 million 2016: $21.5 million 2017: $21.5 million 2018: $21.5 million 2019: $21.5 million

Signed a two-year deal for $10.95 million on January 15, 2010, avoiding arbitration and covering 2010-2011:

2010: $4 million 2011: $7.1 million ($6.95 million base salary + $150,000 in bonuses earned in 2010)

Has potential to add $300,000 to 2011 salary based on plate appearances in 2010:

$50,000 for 600 PA - achieved September 14 $100,000 for 650 PA - achieved September 28 $150,000 for 675 PA

Howie Kendrick

Kendrick was traded to the Phillies for Darin Ruf and Darnell Sweeney on Nov. 11, 2016.

***

Kendrick agreed a two-year, $20 million deal to return on Feb. 4, 2016.

2016: $10 million ($5 million deferred to Dec. 15, 2018) 2017: $10 million ($5 million deferred to Dec. 15, 2019)

Kendrick rejected the Dodgers' qualifying offer of one year, $15.8 million on Nov. 13, 2015.

* * *

The second baseman came to Los Angeles as part of an eight-player, three-team trade between the Marlins and Angels on Dec. 10, 2014.

Kendrick has one year remaining on his contact.

2015: $9,500,000

Clayton Kershaw

The left-hander signed to a seven-year extension worth $215 million on Jan. 17, 2014.

$18 million signing bonus (payable in three $6 million installments in 2014: April 15, July 15 and Sept. 15)

2014: $4 million 2015: $30 million 2016: $32 million 2017: $33 million 2018: $33 million 2019: $32 million 2020: $33 million

Annually, Kershaw can earn $1 million if he wins the Cy Young Award, or $500,000 if he finishes second or third in the voting.

Kershaw earned a $1 million bonus for winning the 2014 NL Cy Young Award. He got a $500,000 bonus for finishing third in the 2015 NL Cy Young vote. Kershaw earned another $500,000 bonus for finishing second in the 2017 NL Cy Young vote.

Kershaw can opt out of the contract after the 2018 season and become a free agent.

Kershaw can also void the contract following a season in which he is traded. If Kershaw is traded during the offseason, he gets a $3 million bonus and can opt out after one season with his new team.

***

Kershaw avoided a salary arbitration hearing by signing a two-year, $19 million contract on February 7, 2012. Kershaw for 2012 filed at $10 million, while the Dodgers filed at $6.5 million.

$500,000 signing bonus 2012: $7.5 million (including $2 million deferred to January 2013) 2013: $11 million

In addition, Kershaw earned $200,000 in performance bonuses in 2012, plus had his 2013 base salary increase to $11.5 million. Kershaw also earned $300,000 in performance bonuses in 2013.

2011: Kershaw signed a one-year deal for $500,000 on March 2, 2011.

Tom Koehler

The right-handed free agent signed a one-year deal on Dec. 20, 2017.

2018: $2 million

Koehler can also earn bonuses, up to $1 million for starting and up to $950,000 otherwise:

$250,000 for 10 starts $250,000 for 15 starts $250,000 for 20 starts $250,000 for 25 starts

$50,000 for 40 games pitched $50,000 for 45 games pitched $100,000 for 50 games pitched $150,000 for 55 games pitched $150,000 for 60 games pitched

$150,000 for 20 games finished $150,000 for 32 games finished $150,000 for 40 games finished

Adam Liberatore

2018: $565,000 ($247,400 in minors)

Liberatore was up for 46 days (from April 28 to May 19, then June 8-23). $565,000 x 46/187 = $78,556

That leaves 109 days in the minors $247,400 x 109/153 = $173,018

***

I don’t have Liberatore’s 2017 salary, so I will assume $545,000.

Liberatore was recalled from Triple-A on April 23, with 162 days left in the regular season. $545,000 x 162/183 = $482,459

***

I don't have Liberatore's exact 2016 salary, but with 106 days of service time entering the season I am estimating $515,000 for him.

2016: $515,000 (estimated)

Liberatore was recalled from Triple-A on Apr. 14, with 172 days left in the regular season. $515,000 x 172/183 = $484,044

***

The Dodgers acquired the left-handed pitcher with Joel Peralta in a four-player trade with the Rays on Nov. 20, 2014 that also sent Jose Dominguez and minor league pitcher Greg Harris to Tampa Bay.

He signed a one-year deal on March 10, 2015.

2015: $507,500

Liberatore was recalled on April 17, then optioned back to Triple-A on April 21. He was recalled on April 27 when Brandon McCarthy was placed on the DL, negating the option. He was optioned on July 22, so dating back to April 17 he earned 96 days of service time. $507,500 x 96/183 = $266,230

Liberatore was recalled on Sept. 22, with 13 days left in the regular season $507,500 x 13/183 = $36,052

Tim Locastro

2018: $545,000 ($88,900 in minors)

Locastro was up for 12 days, from May 3-15. $545,000 x 12/187 = $34,973

Locastro was called up on Sept. 1, with 30 days remaining in the regular season. $545,000 x 30/187 = $87,433

That leaves 138 days in the minors $88,900 x 138/153 = $80,184

***

2017: $535,000

Locastro was called up to the majors on Sept. 29, 2017, with 3 days left in the regular season. $535,000 x 3/183 = $8,770

Manny Machado

Machado was acquired from Baltimore on July 18, 2018, with 74 days left in the season. $16 million x 74/187 = $6,331,551

Kyle Madson

Madson was acquired from Washington On Aug. 31, 2018, with 31 days left in the season. He was in the final year of a 3-year, $22 million contract, making $7.5 million in 2018.

$7.5 million x 31/187 = $1,243,316

Kenta Maeda

The right-hander signed an eight-year, $25 million contract on Jan. 7, 2016.

Maeda receives a $1 million signing bonus 2016: $3 million 2017: $3 million 2018: $3 million 2019: $3 million 2020: $3 million 2021: $3 million 2022: $3 million 2023: $3 million

Maeda can also earn up to $10.15 million annually based on games started, innings pitched, and making the opening day roster:

$150,000 for making the opening day 25-man active roster (achieved Mar. 29) $1 million for 15 games started (achieved July 6) $1 million for 20 games started (achieved Aug. 10) $1.5 million for 25 games started $1.5 million for 30 games started $1.5 million for 32 games started

$250,000 for 90 innings pitched (achieved July 24) $250,000 for 100 innings pitched (achieved Aug. 4) $250,000 for 110 innings pitched (achieved Aug. 14) $250,000 for 120 innings pitched (achieved Sept. 16) $250,000 for 130 innings pitched $250,000 for 140 innings pitched $250,000 for 150 innings pitched $250,000 for 160 innings pitched $250,000 for 170 innings pitched $250,000 for 180 innings pitched $250,000 for 190 innings pitched $750,000 for 200 innings pitched

In 2017, Maeda earned $4.9 million in bonuses — $150,000 for making the opening day roster, $3.5 million for making 25 starts and $1.25 million for 134⅓ innings.

In 2016, Maeda earned $8.9 million in bonuses -- $150,000 for making the opening day roster, $6.5 million for making 32 starts, and $2.25 million for 175⅔ innings.

Maeda gets a $1 million bonus each time he is traded.

The Dodgers will pay a $20 million release fee to the Hiroshima Carp, in four installments: $10 million by Jan. 21, 2016, $3.4 million by July 7, 2016, $3.4 million by Jan. 7, 2017, and $3.2 million by July 7, 2017.

Cory Mazzoni

The Dodgers claimed Mazzoni off waivers from the Cubs on Mar. 27, 2018.

Brandon McCarthy

McCarthy was traded to the Braves on Dec. 16, 2017.

***

The pitcher signed a four-year, $48 million contract on on Dec. 16, 2014.

$6 million signing bonus ($3 million payable on Jan. 1, 2015; $3 million payable on Feb. 1, 2015)

2015: $11 million 2016: $11 million 2017: $10 million 2018: $10 million 2019: conditional club option

If McCarthy spends between 120-179 days on the disabled list with a shoulder injury related to a stress fracture or reaction injury from 2015-2018, there is a 2019 club option worth $8 million. If McCarthy spends 180 or more days on the DL with those same injuries, the option is $5 million.

Brandon Morrow

Morrow was signed to a minor league deal with a non-roster invitation to spring training on Jan. 26, 2017.

2017: $1.25 million

Morrow can also earn up to $1 million in performance bonuses:

$250,000 for 40 games pitched (earned: Sept. 13) $250,000 for 50 games pitched $250,000 for 60 games pitched $250,000 for 65 games pitched

The Dodgers selected the contract of Morrow on May 29, then he was optioned on June 10, up in the majors for 12 days. $1.25 million x 12/183 = $81,967

Morrow was recalled on June 21, with 103 days remaining in the regular season. $1.25 million x 103/183 = $703,552

Max Muncy

Muncy was called up on Apr. 17, with 167 days remaining in the season. I don’t have Muncy’s salary, so I will assume $550,000. $550,000 x 167/187 = $491,176

Zach Neal

Neal was an NRI in spring, and called up on Apr. 3, 2018. He was designated for assignment on Apr. 7, lasting on the roster for 4 days. I don’t have his 2018 salary, but will estimate $550,000. $550,000 x 4/187 = $11,765

Trevor Oaks

Oaks was added to the 40-man roster on Nov. 20, 2017.

He was traded to the Royals on Jan. 4, 2018.

Henry Owens

Owens was claimed off waivers from Arizona on Dec. 22, 2017.

Edward Paredes

2018: $547,500 ($88,900 in minors)

Paredes was up for 37 days (May 1-4, May 23-24, then June 7-July 10), then designated for assignment on July 11. $547,500 x 37/187 = $108,329

That leaves 61 days in the minors (through July 11) $88,900 x 61/153 = $35,444

***

2017: $535,000

The Dodgers selected the contract of Paredes on July 24, then he was optioned on Aug. 1, earning 8 days of service time. $535,000 x 8/183 = $23,388

Paredes was recalled on Aug. 19, with 44 days left in the regular season. $535,000 x 44/183 = $128,634

Joc Pederson

Pederson avoided salary arbitration with a 1-year deal on Jan. 12, 2018.

2018: $2.6 million

***

2017: $555,000

Pederson was optioned to Triple-A on Aug. 19, after earning 139 days of service time. $555,000 x 139/183 = $421,557

Pederson was recalled on Sept. 5, with 27 days remaining in the regular season. $555,000 x 27/183 = $81,885

***

2016: $520,000

***

He signed a one-year deal on March 10, 2015.

2015: $510,000

***

2014: $500,000

Pederson had his contract purchased from Triple-A on Sep. 1, with 28 days left in the regular season.

$500,000 x 28/183 = $76,503

Yasiel Puig

The Dodgers signed Puig to a seven-year, $42 million contract on June 29, 2012.

He received a $12 million signing bonus, half payable within 30 days of reporting and half payable on January 15, 2013. The rest of the contract is distributed as follows:

2012: $2 million 2013: $2 million 2014: $2 million 2015: $4.5 million 2016: $5.5 million 2017: $6.5 million 2018: $7.5 million

If Puig is eligible for salary arbitration during the contract, Puig can void the remainder of the contract and enter arbitration instead. Puig won't be a free agent until he accumulates six years of service time, so no sooner than after 2019.

Josh Ravin

Ravin was traded to the Braves on Nov. 20, 2017.

***

2017: $540,000

Ravin began the season on the disabled list, then was activated and optioned to Triple-A on May 10, earning 38 days of service time. $540,000 x 38/183 = $112,131

Ravin was recalled on May 21, then optioned on May 23, earning 2 days of service time. $540,000 x 2/183 = $5,902

Ravin was recalled on June 16, then optioned on June 18, earning 2 days of service time. $540,000 x 2/183 = $5,902

Ravin was recalled on July 24, then optioned on Aug. 2, earning 9 days of service time. $540,000 x 9/183 = $26,557

Ravin was recalled on Aug. 22, with 41 days left in the regular season. $540,000 x 41/183 = $120,984

***

2016: $515,000

Ravin, on the 60-day DL, was suspended 80 games on May 2, 2016 for a positive PED test. He will not be paid while suspended, which will likely outlast his DL stint. He earned his major league salary through May 1 (29 days), plus at least the three off days through the earliest his 60-day DL stint would have lasted (June 2). $515,000 x 32/183 = $90,055

Ravin was activated from the 60-day DL on Aug. 3 (the day after his suspension was fulfilled) and optioned to Triple-A.

Ravin was recalled on Aug. 8, with 57 days remaining in the regular season. $515,000 x 57/183 = $157,596

***

2015: $507,500

Ravin was called up to the Dodgers on June 2, then optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on June 20, earning 18 days of major league service time. $507,500 x 18/183 = $49,918

Ravin was called up to the Dodgers on July 8, then optioned on July 11, earning three days of major league service time. $507,500 x 18/183 = $8,320

Ravin was called up to the Dodgers on July 24, then optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on July 25, earning one day of major league service time. $507,500 x 18/183 = $2,773

Ravin was recalled on Sept. 1 then placed on the 60-day DL to create 40-man roster space, with 34 days left in the season. $507,500 x 34/183 = $94,290

***

The Dodgers signed Ravin as a minor league free agent on Dec. 13, 2013. He was a non-roster invitee to spring training in 2014.

Sergio Romo

The right-hander signed one-year deal with the Dodgers on Feb. 15, 2017.

2017: $3 million

Romo can also earn up to $250,000 in performance bonuses:

$125,000 for 50 games pitched $125,000 for 60 games pitched

Romo was designated for assignment on July 20, 2017, then traded with cash to the Rays two days later. The Dodgers were on the hook for 112 days of Romo’s contract, plus agreed to send $414,934 to Tampa Bay as part of the deal, per the Associated Press.

$3 million x 112/183 = $1,836,066 + $414,934 = $2,251,000

Zac Rosscup

2018: $610,000

Rosscup was claimed off waivers from Colorado on July 11, with 82 days remaining in the season. $610,000 x 82/187 = $267,487

Hyun-jin Ryu

The Dodgers won the bid for Ryu on Nov. 10, 2012, with a bid of $25,737,737.33 to the Hanwha Eagles of the Korea Baseball Organziation.

Ryu agreed to a six-year contract worth $36 million on Dec. 9, 2012.

Ryu will get a $5 million signing bonus, payable $2.5 million payable on Apr. 1, 2013 and $2.5 million on Apr. 1, 2014.

The annual base salaries:

2013: $2.5 million 2014: $3.5 million 2015: $4.5 million 2016: $7 million 2017: $7 million 2018: $7 million

Ryu can earn up to $1 million annually in performance bonuses based on innings pitched:

$250,000 for 170 IP $250,000 for 180 IP $250,000 for 190 IP $250,000 for 200 IP

In 2013, Ryu pitched 192 innings, earning $750,000 in bonuses.

Ryu cannot be sent to the minors without his written consent.

Ryu can also earn an increase in base salary based on Cy Young balloting:

$1 million for winning $750,000 for finishing 2nd $500,000 for finishing 3rd $250,000 for finishing 4th or 5th

Ryu can opt out of the contract after 2017 if he pitches a total of 750 innings during the first five years (2013-2017) of the deal.

Per the Associated Press, "Ryu gets a $30,000 moving allowance, eight annual first-class round-trip tickets from Los Angeles to South Korea, an employee assigned to Korean media needs, and interpreter, a personal trainer/massage therapist, English lessons and payment for immigration fees." In addition, Ryu's contract "allows him access to purchase premium tickets. He gets a suite on the road but pays the difference between the cost of a suite and a regular room."

Dennis Santana

Santana was added to the 40-man roster on Nov. 20, 2017.

2018: $545,000 ($44,500 in minors)

Santana was called up on May 30, with 124 days left in the season. $545,000 x 124/187 = $361,390

He was in the minors for 55 days $44,500 x 55/153 = $15,997

Corey Seager

2017: $575,000

***

2016: $510,000

***

2015: $507,500

The Dodgers called Seager up to the majors on Sept. 3, 2015, with 32 days left in the regular season. $507,500 x 32/183 = $88,743

Rob Segedin

I don’t have Segedin’s salary for 2017, but I will assume $540,000.

Segedin was recalled from Triple-A on April 17, then optioned on Aug. 18, earning 123 days of service time. $540,000 x 123/183 = $362,951

Segedin was recalled on Sept. 1, with 31 days left inthe regular seasonme. $540,000 x 31/183 = $91,475

***

Segedin was acquired from the Yankees on Jan. 12, 2016 in exchange for Tyler Olson and Ronald Torreyes. Segedin was a non-roster invitee to spring training.

2016: $507,500

The Dodgers called Segedin up to the majors on Aug. 7, 2016, with 57 days left in the regular season.

$507,500 x 57/183 = $158,074

Yaisel Sierra

The Dodgers signed the pitcher to a six-year, $30 million contract on Feb. 21, 2016.

There is a $6 million signing bonus, half due on March 7 and half due on Dec. 15, 2016.

2016: $1 million 2017: $2.5 million 2018: $3.5 million 2019: $4 million 2020: $5.5 million 2021: $7.5 million

Once Sierra is eligible for salary arbitration, he may void the remainder of his contract and opt for arbitration instead.

He was sent outright to the minors on July 3, 2016.

Brock Stewart

2018: $555,000 ($250,000 in minors)

Stewart was up for 31 days (from April 29 to May 12, then May 22 to June 8, then June 19). $555,000 x 31/187 = $92,005

Stewart was recalled on Sept. 2 (and placed on the 60-day DL, with 29 days left in the season. $555,000 x 29/187 = $86,070

That leaves 120 days in the minors $250,000 x 120/153 = $196,078

***

2017: $537,500

Stewart began the season on the disabled list, then was activated and optioned to Triple-A on June 7, earning 66 days of service time. $537,500 x 66/183 = $193,852

Stewart was recalled from Triple-A on June 18, then was optioned back to OKC on Aug. 11, earning 54 days of service time (Stewart was alrso optioned and recalled twice during this period within 10 days replacing a DL’d or paternity list player — June 21 to 26, then Aug. 3 to 8 -- nullifying the options). $537,500 x 54/183 = $158,607

The Dodgers recalled Stewart on Aug. 22, then optioned him the next day. $537,500 x 1/183 = $2,937

Stewart was recalled on Sept. 2, with 30 days left in the regular season. $537,500 x 30/183 = $88,115

***

2016: $507,500

Stewart was called up on June 29, then optioned to Triple-A on July 3, earning 4 days of service time. $507,500 x 4/183 = $11,093

Stewart was called up on Aug. 3, then optioned to Triple-A on Aug. 4, earning 1 day of service time. $507,500 x 1/183 = $2,773

He was called up on Aug. 14, then optioned on Aug. 16, earning 2 days of service time. $507,500 x 2/183 = $5,546

Stewart was recalled on Aug. 26, then optioned on Aug. 29, earning 3 days of service time. $507,500 x 3/183 = $8,320

Stewart was recalled on Sept. 7, with 26 days remaining in the regular season. $507,500 x 26/183 = $72,104

Ross Stripling

2017: $540,000

***

Stripling was added to the 40-man roster on Nov. 20, 2015, protecting him from the Rule 5 draft.

2016: $507,500

Stripling made the opening day roster, then was optioned on May 23, earning 50 days of service time. $507,500 x 50/183 = $138,661

Stripling was recalled from Triple-A on July 23, then optioned on Aug. 2. He was recalled again on Aug. 6, replacing an injured Bud Norris, which negated the previous option. He was optioned again on Aug. 19, but again was brought back within 10 days, on Aug. 23, effectively negating it. So going back to the July 23 call-up, there are 72 days left in the regular season. $507,500 x 72/183 = $199,672

Chris Taylor

I don’t have Taylor’s 2017 salary, but I am estimating $540,000.

Taylor was recalled from Triple-A on Apr. 19, with 166 days left in the regular season. $540,500 x 166/183 = $489,836

***

Taylor was acquired from Seattle for pitcher Zach Lee on June 19, 2016.

Trayce Thompson

Thompson was designated for assignment on Mar. 27, 2018.

***

I don't have Thompson's 2017 salary, but I am assuming $545,000.

Thompson was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Apr. 12, then optioned on Apr. 16, earning 4 days of service time. $545,000 x 4/183 = $11,913

Thompson was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on June 26, then optioned on July 24, earning 28 days of service time. $545,000 x 28/183 = $83,388

Thompson was recalled on Sept. 5, with 27 days remaining in the regular season. $545,000 x 27/183 = $80,410

***

The outfielder was acquired from the White Sox in a three-team deal with the Reds on Dec. 16, 2015.

2016: $512,500

Andrew Toles

2018: $555,000 ($270,000 in minors)

Toles was up for 11 days, from July 9-20. $555,000 x 11/187 = $32,647

Toles was called up Sept.1, with 30 days left in the regular season. $555,000 x 30/187 = $89,037

That left 139 days in the minors $270,000 x 139/153 = $245,294

***

2017: $540,000

***

2016: $507,500

Toles had his contract purchased on July 8, 2016, then was optioned on Aug. 3, earning 26 days of service time. $507,500 x 26/183 = $72,104

Toles was recalled on Aug. 21, with 43 days left in the regular season. $507,500 x 43/183 = $119,248

Dian Toscano

The outfielder was acquired from Atlanta in the Bud Norris trade on June 30, 2016.

2016: $1 million 2017: $1.3 million 2018: $1.5 million 2019: $1.7 million club option ($200,000 buyout)

Toscano joined the Dodgers on July 1, with 94 days left in the season. $1 million x 94/183 = $513,661

Toscano was released on Apr. 3, 2017.

Justin Turner

Turner signed a four-year, $64 million contract to return to the Dodgers on Dec. 23, 2016.

$4 million signing bonus (payable Dec. 31, 2016) 2017: $12 million 2018: $11 million 2019: $18 million 2020: $19 million

Turner receives a $1 million bonus every time he is traded

***

Turner avoided salary arbitration with a one-year deal on Jan. 15, 2016.

2016: $5.1 million

***

The infielder avoided salary arbitration with a one-year contract signed on Jan. 16, 2015.

2015: $2.5 million

Turner signed a minor league contract with a non-roster invitation to spring training on Feb. 5, 2014. He made the team out of spring training, and had his contract purchased on March 16.

2014: $1 million

Turner's salary if in the minors would have been $120,000. In addition, he can earn up to $475,000 in performance bonuses based on plate appearances:

$25,000 for 200 PA (earned Aug. 2) $25,000 for 275 PA (earned Sep. 1) $50,000 for 300 PA (earned Sep. 12) $50,000 for 325 PA $50,000 for 350 PA $50,000 for 375 PA $75,000 for 400 PA $75,000 for 425 PA $75,000 for 450 PA

Julio Urias

2018: $550,000

Urias was optioned to the minors for 17 days (Aug. 24-Sep. 9), leaving 170 days on the major league roster (or disabled list). $550,000 x 170/187 = $500,000

2017: $540,000

Urias was recalled from Triple-A on Apr. 27, and optioned on May 21, earning 24 days of service time. $540,000 x 24/183 = $70,820

***

2016: $507,500

Urias had his contract purchased from Triple-A on May 27, then optioned back to the minors on May 28. Urias was called back to the majors on May 31, replacing an injured Alex Wood. Because it was within 10 days, the option doesn't count, and Urias gets paid and accrues service time as if he was never sent down. He was then optioned on July 5, earning a total of 39 days of service time dating back to May 27. $507,500 x 39/183 = $108,156

Urias was recalled from Triple-A on July 21, then optioned on July 22, earning 1 day of service time. $507,500 x 1/183 = $2,773

Urias was recalled from Triple-A on Aug. 3, with 61 days left in the regular season. $507,500 x 61/183 = $169,167

Chase Utley

Utley signed a two-year, $2 million deal on Feb. 17, 2018.

2018: $1 million 2019: $1 million

***

Utley signed a one-year deal on Feb. 18, 2017.

2017: $2 million

Utley can also earn up to $500,000 in performance bonuses:

$62,500 for 40 games (earned May 27) $62,500 for 60 games (earned June 19) $62,500 for 80 games (earned July 22) $62,500 for 100 games (earned Aug. 25) $62,500 for 400 PA $62,500 for 450 PA $125,000 for 500 PA

***

Utley returned on a one-year contract, finalized on Dec. 9, 2015.

2016: $7 million

***

2015: $10,000,000 (plus a $5 million roster bonus) 2016-18: vesting club options ($2 million buyout)

Utley' options for 2016-2018 automatically vest at $15 million with 500 plate appearances in the season before. Otherwise, they become club options worth either $5 million, $7 million, $9 million or $11 million based on time on the active roster.

Utley was acquired from the Phillies in a three-player deal on Aug. 19, 2015, with 46 days left in the regular season.

$10,000,000 x 46/183 = $2,513,661.

The Phillies are sending the Dodgers $383,661 by Oct. 15 as part of the trade, per the Associated Press, and will cover the cost of the $2 million buyout if the Dodgers decline Utley's 2016 option ("on track to be at a price of $11 million.").

The Phillies will also pay all of the $5 million roster bonus to Utley in 2015.

Utley's 2016 club option is worth $11 million, the maximum amount, because he spent at least 125 days on an active roster in 2015.

The Dodgers declined Utley's 2016 option on Nov. 6, 2015.

Scott Van Slyke

Van Slyke avoided arbitration with a one-year deal on Dec. 1, 2016.

2017: $1.325 million

Van Slyke was traded to the Reds for Tony Cingrani on July 31, 2017, after 121 days of the regular season. $1.325 million x 121/183 = $876,093

***

Van Slyke signed a one-year deal on Jan. 14, 2016, avoiding salary arbitration.

2016: $1.225 million

***

He signed a one-year deal on March 10, 2015.

2015: $522,500

***

Van Slyke signed a one-year deal on March 2, 2014.

2014: $507,500

Pat Venditte

Venditte was called up May 12, then optioned on June 10. He was then up again from July 7-13. Both stints totaled 35 days. I don’t have his salary, so I’ll assume $550,000 in the majors and $100,00 in the minors. $550,000 x 35/187 = $102,941

Venditte was called up again on Aug. 7, with 55 days remaining in the season. $550,000 x 55/187 = $161,765

That leaves 51 days in the minors $100,000 x 51/153 = $33,333

Alex Verdugo

2018: $547,500 ($88,900 in minors)

Verdugo was up for 11 days, from Apr. 28 to May 9. $547,500 x 11/187 = $32,206

Verdugo was up for 5 days, from July 23-28. $547,500 x 5/187 = $14,639

Verdugo was called up Sept. 1, with 30 days remaining in the season. $547,500 x 30/187 = $87,834

That leaves 134 days in the minors $88,900 x 134/153 = $77,860

***

2017: $535,000

The Dodgers purchased Verdugo’s contract from Triple-A on Sept. 1, 2017, with 31 days left in the regular season. $535,000 x 31/183 = $90,628

Tony Watson

Watson was aquired from the Pirates for pitcher Angel German and infielder Oneil Cruz on July 31, 2017.

Watson is a free agent after 2017, earning $5.6 million this season. He was acquired with 62 days remaining in the regular season.

$5.6 million x 62/183 = $1,897,268

Alex Wood

Wood signed a 1-year deal to avoid salary arbitration on Jan. 12, 2018.

2018: $6 million

****

Wood signed a 1-year deal to avoid salary arbitration on Jan. 13, 2017.

2017: $2.8 million

***

2016: $530,000

***

2015: $520,000

Wood was acquired from the Braves in a three-team, 13-player deal on July 30, 2015, with 67 days left in the regular season.

$520,000 x 67/183 = $190,383.

Source: https://www.truebluela.com/2017/8/5/16101678/dodgers-payroll-roster-service-time

[cloudtaleblog]

Full Name: David Freese

Pronouns: He/They

Gender: Genderless

Species: Parasite

Birthday: July 13

A Fresh/Greaser kid because they deserve one. Based off the 60s and he never shows his eyes. :)

[iloveyoupittsburghpirates-blog]

Keep Beating Up On The Weaklings, Pittsburgh Pirates

My Dearest Pittsburgh Pirates,

That’s a good start to your stretch of games against bad teams that you should beat up on. You started the week off the against the lowly Chicago White Sox. After taking game one, coming back from a 4-0 deficit in the first inning, you trailed 4-0 again in game two but this time it was going to the 6th inning when Mercer and Polanco both hit solo homers. It seemed like you might have spoiled an opportunity to take two from one of the worst teams in baseball when the White Sox added a run to make it 5-2 going to the 9th. After back to back singles from Marte and Bell, Elias Diaz came up with one out and ripped a two-run double to score both and bring the score to 5-4. Rookie Colin Moran came up next and hit a two-run homer to give you the lead for good. After your second off day of the week, the San Francisco Giants and prodigal son Andrew McCutchen came to Pittsburgh. In all three games, the fans gave Cutch a standing ovation of appreciation for almost single-handedly bringing this organization back to prominence. Even for someone not at the stadium, the moment was special to watch especially because it brought your highest attendance so far this season. You did somewhat spoil his return by winning two out of three and making it a successful 4-1 week. Opportunities to beat up on bad teams still exist this week so let’s strive for a similar outcome.

It’s finally over. Geroge Kontos (4.58 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 7 K’s in 17 2/3 IP) has been removed from the 8th inning setup role after he blew yet another lead against the Giants on Saturday. I complained last week about Hurdle leaving Kontos in during a key moment against the Brewers when Ryan Braun was coming up. He blew it then and when you had a one run lead in the 8th inning Saturday my phone was blowing up with people complaining that they knew Kontos would be coming in and would blow it again. How did everyone in Pittsburgh except Clint Hurdle know this? Obviously, he gave up a run to tie the game. Fortunately, you were able to get the run back next inning when former Bucco, Tony Watson, hit Jordy Mercer with a pitch with the bases loaded and you held on to win. Based on comments made by Hurdle and GM Neal Huntington on Sunday, it seems like the straw finally broke the camel’s back and Kontos has been removed from that role. The most frustrating part is you have so many better options. Michael Feliz (3.18 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 23 K’s in 17 IP) has done great work in the 7th inning so he could easily transfer to the 8th. Edgar Santana (1.08 WHIP, 16 K’s in 16 2/3 IP) has been good all season and would work out great in the 7th. If those two or your closer Vazquez needs a day off, then Kyle Crick (2.89 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 13 K’s in 9 1/3 IP) has performed well for most of the season too. That seems like the best way to go at this point. I know Richard Rodriguez (1.84 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 25 K’s in 14 2/3 IP) has done nice work but he gave up the run on Wednesday in Chicago to give them a 5-2 lead. Even worse, he came in to relieve Ivan Nova trailing 2-0 yesterday with two men on base and promptly gave up a three-run homer to put the game out of reach. He probably shouldn’t be counted on in too many high leverage situations and neither should Kontos. Kontos velocity had dipped from prior seasons and it’s hard to be a back end of the bullpen guy when you don’t have a legitimate strikeout pitch. I mean, look at his strikeout rate. Both of those guys should be relegated to middle relief and what once was a struggling bullpen suddenly looks like a strength.    

You are about to have a very good problem. You only needed four starting pitchers this week so you sent down Nick Kingham Later this week you will need a fifth starter again and it seems like Kingham will then return. That’s at least what I want to see. The other interesting element to this discussion is Joe Musgrove, a starting pitcher acquired in the Cole trade. Musgrove started the season on the DL but has been pitching rehab assignments lately working his way back to the majors. He should have one more rehab start to get himself up to 100 pitches but his most recent one on Saturday was, well, perfect. He only went 5 2/3 innings due to an 80 pitch limit, but he didn’t give up a walk, or a hit, and struck out six. After one more start in the minors, he will be ready to come up which begs the question: What do you do with the rotation? Obviously, you could send Kingham back down though based on what I’ve seen he’s one of your top five starters. Musgrove did pitch out of the bullpen last year with great success for the Astros but if he’s pitching like this I at least want to see what he can do as a starter. Taillon and Williams are entrenched in the top five so that leaves Kuhl and Nova. Funny enough, Nova’s currently the worst out of the six. He’s currently sporting a 5.01 ERA with a 1.35 WHIP. His start yesterday was going well before the tires fell off in the 6th, but his two starts before that were horrible. Kuhl’s numbers are a little better, 4.17 ERA and 1.35 WHIP, and he’s coming off not only his best start of the season but arguably the best of his career. It’s hard for me to imagine you pulling either of them out of the rotation though. I really don’t have a guess for what’s going to happen. Knowing you though, my out-there prediction is if Nova’s next start is poor you will put him on the DL for some random reason and let the other five go for two weeks to see how they perform and then re-evaluate. That’s also if Taillon’s finger injury that caused him to leave the game Friday doesn’t remain a problem. Given how little faith I admittedly had in your starting pitching going into this season, I’ll happily deal with problems like this.

We are almost at the quarter point of the season and you still remain only a ½ game out of first place. So, who is your MVP so far? There are two very easy candidates right now in Francisco Cervelli (.305 avg. .414 OBP, 6 HR’s 24 RBI’s, .985 OPS) and Corey Dickerson (.319 avg, .355 OBP, 5 HR’s, 27 RBI’s .880 OPS). Dickerson is also just behind the league leader in doubles with 12. The one guy who is also in the conversation who probably isn’t getting enough credit right now is Starling Marte (.304 avg, .362 OBP, 6 HR’s 19 RBI’s, .856 OPS, 10 SB). Marte already has 15 walks this season after only having 20 last season. He did only play a half season with his suspension but he played a full season the year before, his best season too, and only walked 23 times. His plate discipline has improved exponentially. Marte has also finally started playing the type of CF we expected with two catches in the last week that only a handful of players in baseball could make. If those are the candidates for MVP, then who are the finalsist for most disappointing players? Josh Bell (.721 OPS) is the leading candidate now with Polanco (.808 OPS) a little more on track but my actual choice is Adam Frazier (.231/.286/.308 for a .593 OPS.) There was a time before you got Corey Dickerson that he was going to be your starting LF. That alone might give Dickerson the MVP and prove how poor the front office judgment can be at times. After the JHay injury, Frazier was penciled in as the starting 2B and leadoff man but has just been abysmal. When you bring up your fifth starter this week, he or Max Moroff will be demoted. There’s no way Jose Osuna will now that he’s legitimately the best hitter on this team against lefties. His absurd overall OPS of 1.188 (obviously extreme small sample size) will keep him in the majors. With Bell’s early struggles too, he could play 1st or even RF for Polanco like he did yesterday. Either way, that guy has to start every game against lefties. JHay starts a rehab assignment this week so Frazier’s value diminishes even more for a guy David Freese said could win a batting title one day. He very well could, but it will probably have to be in Triple-A.

Like I’ve been saying, this week provides you another opportunity against two struggling team. You have another two-game series against the White Sox starting tomorrow, this time in Pittsburgh. The White Sox currently have the worst record in all of baseball. You do face their ace, Reynaldo Lopez, tomorrow but you should still be able to win both of those games. Starting Thursday, you begin a four-game series with the San Diego Padres who currently have the fifth worst record in all of baseball. That series is in Pittsburgh too and with how competitive your division has been all season, you can’t afford a bad week against bad teams. That hasn’t been a problem all year so I’m hoping it doesn’t start now. After three games against lowly Cincinnati next week, you have a stretch of games when you play the Cardinals, Cubs, Cardinals again, Dodgers, Cubs again, and the Diamondbacks. All of those teams, except the Dodgers, are either in first place or within a game of it. That’s a rough 13 game stretch with only one day off within it. That’s why it’s even more essential to win as many games as possible this week. You’ve gotten plenty of rest with three off days in the last week, so you should be prepared to do battle. Great job this week and let’s keep the ball rolling. Love you and talk to you next week!

                                                                                    Continuously Impressed,

                                                                                                    Brad

P.S. unfortunately won’t stand for Pens’ series after today (But please still checkout DEATH AT SUNSET: HARD TIMES AND SOFT DRINKS, a radio play, noir detective story written by Chris Maxwell and myself now available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio. Google Radio Play, and SoundCloud.) The Pens ran out of gas and finally got beat by the Washington Capitals on an OT goal in game six to end their season. Malkin and Kessel were injured, they lost five major role players from last season, and they were just out-played. It was a hell of a run for the winner of the last two Stanley Cups. This team should still be a contender for years to come. Thanks for two great seasons, Pens. Now get some much-deserved rest.

[uksports-blog1]

Sports Betting Champ, John Morrison Sports Betting Item Survey!

Sports Betting Champ, John Morrison is most notable for his 97% success rate NBA/MLB sports betting framework. Yet, the Sports Betting Champ has likewise brought us other important items. A reliable of picks called The Sports Pick Smorgasbord, and a day by day picks bundle called The Champs Determinations. In this article, I will give a little foundation on the Sports Betting Champ, John Morrison, and survey a portion of his items.

Right off the bat, Sports Betting Champ, John Morrison, is an incredibly famous sports handicapper, and expert card shark. In his 28 years, in the betting scene, he is yet to have a losing season. That is the reason he has earned the name of Sports Betting Champ.

Youthful, John Morrison, grew up with energy for sports and numbers. John had extraordinary accomplishment as an understudy, in the territories of arithmetic and insights. He would, in the long run, acquire his Ph.D., in Insights, from Cornell College.

Sports Betting Champ, John Morrison, at that point proceeded to make his living, joining the two his enthusiasm for sports and numbers, in the realm of expert betting. John is well looked for after, from individuals everywhere throughout the world, for his betting counsel.

Sports Betting Champ, John Morrison, likewise went through right around 10 years, going over the brandishing database, attempting to discover a framework that would anticipate winning results, with the best consistency. In NBA b-ball betting, in the years somewhere in the range of 2003 and 2009, the Sports Betting Champ went a detailed 363 successes - 8 misfortunes, in all years consolidated. What's more, in MLB baseball betting in the years somewhere in the range of 2004 and 2009 John Morrison went a revealed 243 successes - 1 misfortune, in all years joined!

You can see that Sports Betting Champ, John Morrison is really on to something!

Item audits 

1. The World's Phenomenal Sports Betting Framework This is the where individuals regularly inquire as to whether this is a Sports Betting Champ trick. A 97% success rate framework? However, the 97% success rate is on wagers made, not on diversions played. Genuine this framework is one that is best used by an individual with a bankroll to back them up. Be that as it may, it is shockingly simple to utilize. see the link

The framework decides certain generally safe wagers, which can be anticipated well early. That means just betting about 40% of the time. Roughly, 120 diversions out of the year between the two seasons. It utilizes a type of martingale betting, connected to a three amusement arrangement. In light of the reason that the group wager is certain to win one out of three amusements. When your group wins one in the arrangement, your done betting that arrangement. This framework additionally accompanies a 67% success rate NFL framework, and lifetime of free picks, certainly justified regardless of the $197 sticker price!

2. John Morrison Sports Smorgasbord The Sports Pick Smorgasbord is an extraordinary esteem. The item is a soul of conclusion from more than 500 best handicappers, included into a report and conveyed to your inbox regular. The report is incorporated by Sports Betting Champ, John Morrison, himself. The report would look something like this:

Arrangement of sports picks from master handicappers for May 29th, 2010

MLB Recreations

Pittsburgh Privateers versus Atlanta Conquers

1 handicapper picked Pittsburgh to win (Hawkeye Sports)

5 handicappers picked Atlanta to win (Robert Ferringo, Speculators Information, The Shark, Kelso Sports Incapacitating, Dr Baseball)

Philadelphia Phillies versus Florida Marlins

6 handicappers picked Philadelphia to win (Burglarize Vinciletti, Vegas Sports Plays, Moneylineking, Scott Spreitzer, Louisville Slugger, Brilliant Contender)

11 handicappers picked Florida to win (Information Plays, Dave Cokin, Tommy Gold, Measurement Sports, The Baseball Handicapper, Hot Lines, Toss O'Brien, Lenny Del Genio, Mike Snare, Sportsbook Master, Benjamin Lee Eckstein)

Houston Astros versus Cincinnati Reds

1 handicapper picked Houston to win (Sports Betting Teacher)

11 handicappers picked Cincinnati to win (Carlo Campanella, Doc's Sports, Robert Ferringo, Moneylineking, Tommy Gold, Nolan Fernandez, Sports Bets, Silver Key Pick, Kelso Sports Disabling, Dr Baseball, Tom Law Longball Sports)

St Louis Cardinals versus Chicago Whelps

5 handicappers picked St Louis to win (Dave Cokin, Chris Jordan, Super Sports Gathering, Sports Bets, Kelso Sports Disabling)

8 handicappers picked the Chicago Whelps to win (Sac Lawson, Tom Freese, Dunkel, television Hotline, Ben Consumes, Igz1 Sports, NY Players Club, Rudy Nyc Sports)

New York Mets versus Milwaukee Brewers

4 handicappers picked the NY Mets to win (Tommy Gold, Hammerthebook, Sportsbook Master, Seabass)

6 handicappers picked Milwaukee to win (Dave Value, Robert Ferringo, Fasttrack Sports, Ben Consumes, Sports Intermediaries, Vegas Sprinter)

Los Angeles Dodgers versus Colorado Rockies

13 handicappers picked the LA Dodgers to win (Rough Atkinson, Derek Mancini, MJP Sports, Measurement Sports, Hondo, Richie Parker, Dave Eckstein, National Sports Administration, Al Demarco, Super Sports Gathering, Sports Bets, Kiki Sports, Dream Sports Gametime)

4 handicappers picked Colorado to win (John Martin, Bobby Maxwell, Robert Ferringo, Tom Law Longball Sports)

Arizona Diamondbacks versus San Francisco Mammoths

4 handicappers picked Arizona to win (#1 Sports, Benefit On-The-Net, Super Sports Gathering, Kiki Sports)

9 handicappers picked San Francisco to win (Larry Ness, Straightforward Jordan, Raypolaccosports, Papayagang, John Harrison, Kelso Sports Incapacitating, Seabass, The Accord Gathering, Stumpthespread)

Texas Officers versus Minnesota Twins

4 handicappers picked Texas to win (Jr Odonnell, Dan Bebe, MJP Sports, Karl Garrett)

13 handicappers picked Minnesota to win (David Chan, Cappers Access, Robert Ferringo, Income sans work Sports, Tommy Gold, Dozo Recreations Impeding, Insider Sports Report, Super Sports Gathering, B&S Picks, Official, Teddy Spreads, Tom Law Longball Sports, Ats Baseball Lock Club)

Seattle Sailors versus LA Holy messengers

2 handicappers picked Seattle to win (MJP Sports, Boston Blackie)

3 handicappers picked the LA Holy messengers to win (Unadulterated Lock, Platinum Plays, LPW Sports forecast)

Chicago White Sox versus Tampa Straight Beams

5 handicappers picked the Chicago White Sox to win (Chris Jordan, Michael Gun, Hurl O'Brien, Sports Bets, Seabass)

4 handicappers picked Tampa Straight to win (Jimmy Boyd, PC Sports, Measurement Sports, Water globe)

Oakland Games versus Detroit Tigers

6 handicappers picked Oakland to win (Marc Lawrence, Lee Kostroski, MJP Sports, Papayagang, Insider Sports Report, Super Sports Gathering)

14 handicappers picked Detroit to win (Gill Alexander, Jeff Alexander, Robert Ferringo, Hawkeye Sports, Tommy Gold, Baseball Smasher, The Shark, JSM Sports, Official, Sportsbook Master, Teddy Spreads, Tom Law Longball Sports, Dozo Diversions Impairing, Greg Shaker)

Kansas City Royals versus Boston Red Sox

2 handicappers picked Kansas City to win (MJP Sports, Greg Shaker)

20 handicappers picked Boston to win (Tony George, Jack Jones, Robert Ferringo, Arthur Ralph Sports, Mike Wynn, Derek Mancini, Dave Cokin, Chris Jordan, National Sports Administration, Jr Odonnell, The Shark, Igz1 Sports, Rocketman, Jsm Sports, Hammerthebook, Benjamin Lee Eckstein, Seabass, Ats Baseball Lock Club, Dozo Recreations Disabling, Stan Sharp)

NBA Recreations

There are no NBA recreations played today.

Rundown of the prescribed wagers to make for May 29th, 2010 dependent on the sports handicappers' agreement:

"Extreme Wager" of the day:

[MLB] Most sports handicappers lean toward the Boston Red Sox to win at a 20:2 proportion!

(Note: this wager was in the long run WON)

"Best Wagers" of the day:

[MLB] Most sports handicappers lean toward the Cincinnati Reds to win at an 11:1 proportion.

(Note: this wager was in the long run WON)

[MLB] Most sports handicappers lean toward the Detroit Tigers to win at a 14:6 proportion.

(Note: this wager was in the long run LOST)

[MLB] Most sports handicappers lean toward the Minnesota Twins to win at a 13:4 proportion.

(Note: this wager was in the long run WON)

As should be obvious this is an integral asset. Also, the esteem, Sports Betting Champ, John Morrison is making accessible. You can undoubtedly go through $1,000 every year on betting guidance from one handicapper. The John Morrison Sports Smorgasbord permits you access to the counsel of 500 handicappers at the cost of one, the data is as of now information mined, and made intelligible to you ordinary. That is near $500,000 per year in betting exhortation from this Sports Betting Champ item. This administration is certainly justified regardless of the $125 per month, that is $3.25 every day. You can begin with a multi-day preliminary for a mind-boggling $5 preliminary installment

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3. John Morrison Sports Picks-The Sports Betting Champ has assembled three separate day by day picks, School and NBA B-ball sports wager bundles, School and NFL Football sports wager bundles, and All year Steed Hustling tip bundles. The Champs Determinations come in three separate memberships, fourteen days, one month, an entire year bargains. These are the equivalent plays the Sports Betting Champ utilizes himself. The picks are conveyed to your inbox early, leaving a lot of time to get to your most loved sportsbook. The costs fluctuate.

For additional on the Sports Betting Champ Framework John Morrison sports betting items, look at [http://www.SportsBetTip.net] Likewise find other betting framework audits!

For your benefit, the site design is:

97% win rate framework/The Champs Determinations

The World's Top notch Sports Betting Framework

The John Morrison Sports Smorgasbord

Soccer Benefit Framework, one ball crippling

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The Savvy Cash Law betting framework

Poker Preparing with Jonathan Little

Steed dashing tipster administration

FYI-The Sports Betting Champ pages are long, remember you are correct slide-bar!

[bharatiyamedia-blog]

Dodgers, Pink Sox meet for first time since 2018 Sequence

http://tinyurl.com/y2vpz724 All season lengthy, the Boston Red Sox have tried to recapture their World Sequence-winning kind from 2018 with combined outcomes. Maybe a sequence in opposition to their Fall Basic opponent might lastly gentle the spark. The Pink Sox come out of the All-Star break to host the Los Angeles Dodgers for a three-game set starting Friday. The rematch is the primary time the 2 groups have met since October, when Boston gained the best-of-seven sequence 4-1 for its fourth championship since 2004. “We’ll be prepared for the Pink Sox,” Dodgers supervisor Dave Roberts informed reporters previous to the break. “No gathering or message to the crew to rally the troops. We all know what to do.” The pitching matchup Friday will see Boston left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez (9-4, 4.65 ERA) tackle Los Angeles right-hander Kenta Maeda (7-5, 3.76). Los Angeles ended the primary half on a three-game skid however nonetheless leads the majors with 60 wins. The break served solely to strengthen the crew as shortstop Corey Seager and first baseman David Freese are off the injured listing. Each had been sidelined by left hamstring strains. Offseason acquisition A.J. Pollock additionally is predicted to return for the sequence. The middle fielder is on rehab project with Excessive-A Rancho Cucamonga as he appears to be like to battle again from proper elbow irritation that has stored him out since April 28. Boston, in the meantime, entered the break driving a four-game win streak. Nonetheless, its 49-41 report is effectively off its 61-29 mark by the primary 90 video games of final season, and the membership’s solely transfer over the break was parting methods with ineffective reliever Tyler Thornburg. “I feel for as unhealthy as everybody says it has been and this and that, should you actually have a look at it, it hasn’t been that unhealthy,” Pink Sox slugger J.D. Martinez informed reporters throughout All-Star media availability. “Final yr, for my part, was an excessive, and to have these expectations to return again and do precisely that, that is fairly robust. I feel we have performed a very good job of giving ourselves an opportunity for the second half and placing ourselves ready the place we will make the playoffs.” The Pink Sox are stated to be on the hunt for pitching forward of this month’s commerce deadline as they rank in the midst of the pack within the American League with a 4.59 ERA as a crew. The Dodgers lead the Nationwide League in that mark at 3.37. On the opposite aspect, Boston is tied for the main league lead in runs scored (509) and batting common (.272) whereas Los Angeles is seventh and eighth in these respective classes (480, .263). Rodriguez has been up-and-down for Boston this yr, although he hasn’t misplaced since June 9. The southpaw threw 5 sturdy innings in opposition to the Detroit Tigers his final day trip, permitting one run on 4 hits. Throughout final yr’s World Sequence, Rodriguez twice confronted the Dodgers out of the bullpen with success earlier than beginning Recreation Four and giving up 4 runs in 5 2/Three innings in an eventual victory. He has confronted Los Angeles as soon as within the common season, giving up three runs in Four 1/Three innings of a begin in 2016. Maeda is 0-Three in his final six begins and hasn’t gained a choice since Might 31 in opposition to Philadelphia. He gave up three runs on 4 hits in 7 2/Three innings in opposition to San Diego in his final begin on July 6. Maeda made three reduction appearances in opposition to Boston within the World Sequence, posting a 3.00 ERA with six strikeouts in three innings. –Discipline Degree Media Source link

[viraljournalist]

Real or not? Even the Dodgers' rookies are out of this world

New Post has been published on https://viraljournalist.com/real-or-not-even-the-dodgers-rookies-are-out-of-this-world/

Real or not? Even the Dodgers' rookies are out of this world

Let’s admit it: When your name is Will Smith and you’re playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the shadow of the “Hollywood” sign that sits up in the Santa Monica Mountains, it’s going to be difficult to divert attention away from that other guy named Will Smith, who also works in Los Angeles.

Well, this is a good way to do it. The Dodgers’ Smith pinch-hit with two outs and two on in the bottom of the ninth of a tie game with the Colorado Rockies on Sunday and delivered a three-run walk-off home run to send Dodger Stadium into a fever of joy:

WEST SIDE WALK IT OUT. pic.twitter.com/DqNiS8QoZS

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 23, 2019

Smith, a rookie catcher drafted 32nd overall in 2016 out of Louisville, had played in six games with the Dodgers earlier this season, hitting a walk-off home run for his first major league homer to beat the Phillies on June 1. He had just been recalled before the game to replace injured David Freese. With Matt Beaty on second base, Rockies manager Bud Black elected to intentionally walk veteran Russell Martin to have Scott Oberg instead face Smith.

Oops.

These walk-off home runs have become standard fare in L.A. It was the third game in a row the Dodgers hit one to sweep the Rockies — and all three were hit by rookies, Beaty taking hero honors on Friday and Alex Verdugo in the 11th inning on Saturday.

Two rookie walk-offs wasn’t enough?

HOW ABOUT THREE? pic.twitter.com/c7NmPCilrL

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 24, 2019

Remember when the #Dodgers were the first team in MLB history to have rookies hit walk-off homers in two straight games? That’s so yesterday. pic.twitter.com/g5K4mwlS4Y

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 24, 2019

WOW!!!!!! UN.REAL!!!!!! IS THIS REAL LIFE?!! #WalkoffsAreFun

— Enrique Hernández (@kikehndez) June 23, 2019

The Dodgers became just the sixth team to hit walk-off home runs in three consecutive games, joining the 2013 Rangers, 2004 Tigers, 2000 Royals, 1999 Diamondbacks and 1998 Tigers, and the first to do it with three rookies. (In fact, they were already the first team to have rookies do it in two consecutive games.)

What a weekend at Dodger Stadium as the team improved to 54-25. The New York Yankees have been hot, but the Dodgers are clearly the best team in baseball right now, with the best record in the majors, in the much tougher league, as they head to 55 wins in the first half.

This weekend not only showcased the Dodgers’ depth of the 40-man roster, but also showcased why they’re headed to a seventh straight division title — with maybe the best team of the run, even better than the 104-win team of 2017. Consider the astute drafting:

— The Dodgers took Smith as a supplemental first-round pick (acquired for losing Zack Greinke as a free agent). They liked his defense at Louisville, but his bat has been good enough to allow him to advance quickly — he’s hit .291/.397/.609 at Oklahoma City. In the same draft, the Dodgers selected infielder Gavin Lux with the 20th overall pick and he has become a top-30 prospect, hitting .310 at Double-A Tulsa. Given that several of the top-10 picks from that draft have struggled, getting Lux and Smith late in the first round looks like a steal.

— Verdugo was a second-round pick in 2014 out of a high school in Tucson, Arizona. Many teams saw him as a pitcher with his low-90s fastball, but he wanted to hit and the Dodgers liked him in that role as well. Verdugo would have played regularly for a lot of teams last season, but had to wait his turn. The trade of Yasiel Puig and injury to A.J. Pollock opened up playing time this year, and Verdugo is hitting .302/.352/.489.

— Beaty was a 12th-round pick in 2015 from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, not exactly a baseball powerhouse, but he hit .382 his junior season with more walks than strikeouts. He has hit .308 in his minor league career (he missed most of last season with a torn thumb ligament) and has made himself more valuable with his ability to play first base, third base and left field. He’s hitting .333/.352/.478 in 69 at-bats.

When you’re not picking high like the Dodgers, it becomes more difficult to build through the draft, but they’ve added depth and built one of the top farm systems by crushing those late first-round selections (Walker Buehler is another example) and finding other gems later in the draft (such as Cody Bellinger in the fourth round).

You won’t believe this, but more crazy stuff happened with the Mets: The Cubs beat the Mets 5-3 on Javier Baez’s three-run homer off Seth Lugo in the bottom of the eighth:

Javy, PLEASE.

Javy, THANK YOU. pic.twitter.com/aHA1oAZprI

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) June 23, 2019

Baez’s home run came off an 0-2 sinker from Lugo — well, it didn’t sink enough as he probably wanted to bury it in the dirt — and while 0-2 is usually an out for most hitters, Baez isn’t a normal hitter:

All MLB hitters in 2019 On 0-2: .152 AVG/.397 OPS After 0-2: .165/.464

Javy Baez in 2019 On 0-2: .314 AVG/1.057 OPS, 4 HR (35 AB) After 0-2: .296 AVG/1.076 OPS, 9 HR (73 PA)

— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) June 23, 2019

Anyway, the Mets. Too often, they just can’t get out of their own way. Lugo has actually been the team’s best reliever this year, so that wasn’t the crazy thing that happened. After the game, tension escalated in the clubhouse when manager Mickey Callaway cursed out Newsday beat writer Tim Healey, and then pitcher Jason Vargas, in the words of Daily News writer Deesha Thosar, “took steps toward Healey looking for a fight before the two were separated by a handful of people.” The confrontation with Callaway resulted when Callaway walked past Healey following his postgame news conference and Healey said, “See you tomorrow, Mickey,” which the manager interpreted as the reporter being sarcastic. Callaway turned back to Healey and spewed out a string of words not suitable for print here.

The Mets issued a statement after the game: “The Mets sincerely regret the incident that took place with one of our beat writers following today’s game in the clubhouse. We do not condone this type of behavior from any employee. The organization has reached out and apologized to this reporter and will have further discussions internally with all involved parties.”

Is this a big deal? Probably not. Hey, maybe Vargas stepping up for his manager can even be viewed as a little team bonding. Or maybe it’s the just the beginning of the final disintegration. Callaway may already be on edge after the team fired pitching coach Dave Eiland and bullpen coach Chuck Hernandez a few days ago, and this certainly isn’t going to please management. While Sunday’s loss was painful, the series against the Cubs wasn’t a complete disaster as they split four games. Still, the Mets fell to 37-41 and they haven’t won a road series since early April. It’s time for the Mets to beat up on some opponents, not reporters.

Phading Phillies: Heck, the Mets aren’t even the biggest disaster in the NL East right now. The Marlins beat the Phillies 6-4, completing a series sweep and extending the Phillies’ losing streak to seven. Jordan Yamamoto picked up his third win for the Marlins in three career starts and Miami pounded out 16 hits. The Phillies have lost 16 of 22 and dropped nine games to the Braves in the standings in that spell.

2 Related

Phillies fans let out a chorus of boos when Roman Quinn popped out to end the game.

As Scott Lauber wrote for the Philadelphia Inquirer, this is not what owner John Middleton paid for in believing the Phillies had constructed a World Series contender. They’ve been outscored 43-15 in the seven-game skid. “It’s not good,” Bryce Harper said.

There are few Phillies who might be expected to perform better — Harper, for starters, although his high strikeout rate suggests he’s not going to suddenly go on a big binge. J.T. Realmuto and Jean Segura have been minor disappointments. The back of the rotation has been awful, but most teams have struggled with the backs of their rotations. The Phillies really just look like a .500 team and I don’t see much reason to expect them to go 20 games over .500 the rest of the way. Indeed, FanGraphs currently projects a final record of 81-81. Next up: four games at home against the Mets. It feels like an important series for both teams.

Run of the day: The Pirates beat the Padres 11-10 in a wild extra-innings game (Kirby Yates finally blew his first save of the season), but check out Fernando Tatis Jr. scoring on an infield pop-up. I’m pretty sure I’ve never seen this before:

Fearless Fernando.@tatis_jr • #FriarFaithful pic.twitter.com/nkoKJPqnVE

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) June 23, 2019

If you didn’t watch the entire replay, Tatis was ruled safe upon review. This kid is absolutely electrifying and is hitting .323/.387/.571 after going 2-for-4 with two walks Sunday. He probably missed too much time with his hamstring injury to warrant All-Star consideration, but he is fifth among NL shortstops in WAR and two of those ahead of him (Trevor Story and Corey Seager) are currently on the injured list. Maybe the point isn’t that Tatis deserves to be on the All-Star team, but he has certainly played like an All-Star when healthy.

Verlander avoids the sweep: It wasn’t a fun trip to the Bronx for the Astros as the Yankees took the first three games of the series — running Houston’s losing streak to seven, their longest since a seven-game skid in June 2015. On Sunday, Justin Verlander finally turned things around, holding the Yankees to three runs on four hits in seven innings, and the Astros’ lineup smashed four home runs. One of those came from Yordan Alvarez, his seventh in 12 games:

Yordan + Yuli = Cuban connection! #TakeItBack pic.twitter.com/cOOFRgiBLI

— Houston Astros (@astros) June 23, 2019

OK, seven bombs in his first 12 games is amazing. He’s the fourth to do it, joining Trevor Story (2016), Trey Mancini (2016-17) and Dino Restelli. What, you’ve never heard of Dino Restelli? Me neither.

He hit seven home runs in his first 12 games for the Pirates in 1949 — and just six more in a brief major league career that was over in 1951. Just a fluke? Probably, although one issue was he wore glasses and they would constantly fog up in the East Coast humidity. (He kept a bright red bandanna in his back pocket to clean his glasses, a habit that apparently ticked off opponents.) Early in his career, after a glasses-cleaning timeout, Ewell Blackwell hit Restelli in the back of the neck. One theory says Restelli was never the same after that.

Anyway, I’m pretty sure Yordan Alvarez will have a much longer career than Dino Restelli.

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[cloudtaleblog]

sockets

Fresh by @loverofpiggies

Grraser by @radsee

[iloveyoupittsburghpirates-blog]

What Could Have Been, Pittsburgh Pirates

My Dearest Pittsburgh Pirates,

It’s a question we will be asking ourselves about this week. You had won the first two games of the series against the first place Milwaukee Brewers and in the third game you had a 3-1 lead. After they cut the lead to 3-2, Daniel Hudson reminded us again the mistake we made in signing him by giving up a two run homer to give the lead to Brewers and eventually the win. You lost the fourth game and what started looking like a potential sweep turned into a split. Hudson tried to ruin the game again on Friday against the Cardinals by giving up another homer but a David Freese RBI single and John Jaso’s 9th inning homer saved the game. You won Saturday as well to guarantee yourself the series win. You had a 4-2 lead last night but managed to blow that thanks in part to Tony Watson, Juan Nicasio, and Clint Hurdle not making a double switch to play an actual outfielder (Gregory Polanco) in right field instead of John Jaso. You still took two out of three in St. Louis giving you a 4-3 week. I would have hoped for better against two division rivals but it’s hard to complain when you perform like that on the road. There’s still hope with you only five games out of first but something needs to change with this bullpen. They are killing you right now. 

This team goes as Andrew McCutchen goes and that’s honestly not a good thing. Do you think it’s a coincidence that when Cutch was one of the best in the league you made the playoffs? Last year and earlier this year he struggled and that’s when you have played or worst baseball in five years. Cutch’s 1.186 OPS over the last four weeks has returned him to MVP form. It’s not only his numbers. His entire attitude and confidence has changed. His bat speed has returned and he’s driving outside pitches to the opposite field again. I say all this knowing the reality is that there’s at least a 90 percent chance that Cutch isn’t even on the team opening day of next season. He’s making 14 million this year and has a 14.5 million dollar option for next season that will now certainly get picked up. If you were a big market team, you would resign him with no problem and risk that by the end of the contract he would be in his mid thirties and likely heavily regressing, As a small market team, you don’t have that luxury. Once Cutch is gone, who will you rely on? Polanco’s OPS is currently under .700, Marte’s suspension doesn’t give me the most faith in him, and top prospect Austin Meadows hasn’t wowed in Triple-A and recently got hurt again. Josh Bell is a legitimate middle of the lineup bat but he’s still only batting .233. Someone better step up because once Cutch is gone your opportunity to win might go with it. 

Jordy Mercer is quietly having the best season of his career. He has always been a top level defender and that’s been on display again this year as he hadn’t made an error in fifty-two games before the one last night. He had a rough night after missing another grounder that wasn’t an error but that he should have had but he still hadn’t made an error since April 26th.  Maybe he can finally get a longer look when they are considering finalists for the Gold Glove at the end of the year. He’s also having the best offensive season of his career with .275/.351/.422 for a .773 OPS. That’s his best since 2013 when he also had a .772 OPS but that was only in 333 at bats. Other than that year, his highest OPS was .703. Mercer has put himself in this situation by going on an absolute tear over the last month. Cutch has been on fire the last four weeks but Mercer has been almost as hot. Over that span, he has splits of .315/.344/.517 for a .861 OPS with five doubles, three triples, three homers, and eleven RBI’s. His BABIP in the month of June is .400 which means he is going to regress, not that I expected him to continue to hit at this pace the rest of the way. I’ve liked his approach at the plate more this season. I believe his improved OBP could be sustainable. He hasn’t been swinging at as many pitches out of the zone which has led to more walks. I’m not sure where his hitting stats will wind up by the end of the season but I do know that his defense will always be award-level worthy. 

I’m starting to think Elias Diaz could be really good. Francisco Cervelli returned to the DL this week with concussion problems again and we don’t know when he will return. Diaz will now be splitting time with Chris Stewart and I feel like that shouldn’t even be the case. Stewart got the start in two of the three games this weekend. Diaz has a great arm and terrific blocking ability. The question with Diaz has always been his hitting. This season he has decent splits of .286/.333/.417 for a .750 OPS. That’s not incredible but that’s way better than Stewart will do. The most interesting thing about Diaz is his natural power. He has undeniable pop and that ball flies off his bat when he makes contact. He’s only had 63 at bats so were are obviously still early on in the process. It does make me question the extension of Cervelli more now. He’s making nine million this season and will make twenty-two million over the next two years. I like Cervelli. His patience at the plate is an asset, he blocks pitches as well as anyone, and he’s one of the best pitch framers in the game. That’s a big thing and I know it’s important to you but 10 million per year is a lot of money to pay for a small market team. He doesn’t have a great arm and his hitting has struggled over the last two seasons. Hopefully he is OK. These concussions are always such a concern. He’s signed anyway so I propose you split the innings a little more between him and Diaz next year. You slowly move Diaz into a more everyday role and you limit Cervelli’s innings, which given his injury problems and his age isn’t a bad idea anyway. 

It was an intense week so a day off today is pretty good timing. You get to come back home which is always nice. You actually have a fairly reasonable schedule this week. Tuesday the Tampa Bay Rays come to town for a three game series. The Rays were expected to be one of the worst teams in baseball but they have over-performed with 40-38 record currently residing in third place in the AL East and only one game out of a wildcard spot. They are still a beatable team especially at home. You follow that up by playing a terribly under-performing team, the San Francisco Giants. They are 27-51 which is the second worst record in all of baseball. Obviously losing Madison Bumgarner for most of the season due to a dirt bike injury has hindered them. This could and should be a 4-2 week. That’s what you need to do at home if you want stay in the division hunt, You are six games under .500. At some point, you need to go on a run. .500 teams don’t typically make the playoffs and teams under .500 never do. You are playing better baseball but it’s still not good enough particularly in the bullpen. They have blown games for you all year and that trend doesn’t seem to be ending anytime soon. Keep hitting like you have been, keep getting solid starting pitching, and hopefully that will be enough to keep up until you can address the bullpen at the trade deadline. Enjoy your day off and good luck this week.

                                                                             Your Bullpen Obsessed Beau,

                                                                                                      Brad

P.S. should stand for Polanco stinks. I know I discussed this last week but he’s still bating third almost everyday and he only has a .671 OPS. That’s gross. It looked like maybe he was hurt this week when he didn’t run out a ground ball that he could have potentially beat out. He then went out and made two diving catches so it seemed like nothing was wrong. Why aren’t you running out the grounder then, Gregory? Maybe he’s hurt, maybe he’s just in a slump, or maybe he’s only so good. I don’t have an answer right now. I do know that he’s the one offensive player you can circle right now as hurting you the most. Wake up, Gregory!!

[dizzedcom]

Freese, Dodgers rally in 7th for 5-3 victory over Giants

Freese, Dodgers rally in 7th for 5-3 victory over Giants

David Freese's two-run double in the seventh inning helped the Los Angeles Dodgers rally for a 5-3 victory over the San Francisco Giants