Mat Latos traded to Reds

After three years with the San Diego Padres, pitcher Mat Latos is on the move to Cincinnati. Traded Saturday morning, Latos ended up with the Reds while the Padres acquired Edinson Volquez, Yonder Alonzo and Yasmani Grandal. Over the last three seasons, Latos is 27-29 with a 3.37 ERA and has 413 SO in 429.2 IP. It’s a peculiar trade for both teams in the sense that Latos brought in a big haul for the Padres, while the Reds gave up alot for a guy who will be their #2 starter. My opinion is the deal was done as the Reds believe they can win the National League Central with the Cardinals losing Albert Pujols, the Brewers possibly losing Prince Fielder and having Ryan Braun suspended and the Reds knowing Joey Votto wants to be paid. I think the Padres got the better end of the dealm especially if Volquez returns to form. It’s a high risk-high reward type deal for the Reds, but it shows they’re all in for the 2012 season.

Darren

Erik Bedard joins the Red Sox

 

At today’s trade deadline, the Boston Red Sox acquired left hander Erik Bedard from the Seattle Mariners in a three team deal. When healthy, Bedard is one of the most dominant pitchers in the MLB. A high strikeout pitcher, Bedard is going to be a solid back of the rotation guy for the American League East leading Red Sox down the stretch. In 2011 Bedard is 4-7 with a 3.45 ERA in 16 starts with Seattle. Bedard’s a risk, but one Theo Epstein and the Red Sox were willing to make.

 

Darren

Back in the bigs: Michael Bowden

Back in the bigs is Red Sox pitcher Michael Bowden. Used in 23 games over the past three seasons, Bowden is back with the big club and has pitched three scoreless innings in the past couple days. Once a 1st round draft pick in 2005, Bowden has been highly touted as one of the big names for the future of the Red Sox rotation. Only 24, Bowden has a bright future ahead of him, and with solid pitching, he should stay with Boston and gain even more valuable experience.

 

Darren

 

Doc Halladay: None better

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After yesterdays masterful start, (7 IP, 6 H, 9 K, 0 ER vs CHC), Roy Halladay now sits at 9-3 for the season with a 2.39 ERA. First in wins and second in ERA, Halladay is once again casually showing everyone why he is the best pitcher in baseball. No disrespect for Tim Lincecum, Felix Hernandez and co, but Halladay sits in a category all by himself. So far this season, Halladay has started 14 games and has pitched at least 6 innings in each game, as well as having a quality start in all but two starts. Halladay is quiet and humble but dominates games with ruthless aggression unlike any of his counterparts.

One key factor is showing his dominance is how he has a ground ball to fly ball ratio of 167:131 but he has only 14 walks in 105.1 IP! Halladay has been ever so consistent over the course of his career and is en route to another Cy Young Award this year. The Doc makes pitching look easier than tying a shoe. No flash, all substance is what Halladay is about and being an “old school” type pitcher, Halladay is looking for a complete game every time out, something very few pitchers nowadays do. The next start for him will be Wednesday at home against the Florida Marlins. Last time out vs Florida? He lost the game but pitched 8 innings, allowed just five hits, one run, two walks and struck out nine. Be sure to check that out.

 

Darren

2011 AL Cy Young prediction

In 2011 there will be many contendors for the American League Cy Young Award. Reigning winner, Seattle’s Felix Hernandez, will definately be looking to go back to back along with guys like Justin Verlander, C.C Sabathia, David Price and the one man who I believe will reign supreme over them all… The Boston Red Sox lefty Jon Lester. Over the past three years, Lester has been one of the most consistent pitchers in the Major Leagues, posting a 50-23 record, 3.28 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and striking out 225 batters in back to back seasons. Lester is primed to take that next step from frontline pitcher to ace and in my opinion will win this years award.

 Lester keeps the ball in the park and racks up the punch outs all while winning big games for his squad. The main area of concern is Lester’s walk total from last year (83). This was a factor of Lester doind too much to ensure an out instead of just going for the out. Being a young pitcher that is something that will pop up in power pitchers but Lester has worked this offseason at being even more aggressive to hitters, a scary thought for guys standing in the batters box. It will hopefully be another great season for pitching but I believe Lester is the main man to watch as he is my pick for the award in 2011.

Darren

Halladay deals 2nd No-hitter in MLB playoff history

In 1956 a pitcher by the name of Don Larsen twirled the first no-hitter (perfect game to be exact) in MLB playoff history as he blanked the Brooklyn Dodgers. Fastforward almost 54 years to the day, and Philadelphia Phillies ace Roy Halladay joined the club by no-hitting the Cincinatti Reds in a 4-0 victory Wednesday night. One amazing fact is that “Doc” had actually tossed a perfect game against the Marlins during the regular season AND this was his postseason debut! Halladay’s only “mishap” was issuing a walk to right fielder Jay Bruce in the 5th inning. The only other Phillies pitcher to toss a shutout in Phillies postseason history was the legendary righty Curt Schilling back in 1993.  Halladay gave the Phils the lead and a gigantc boost in the series and in their efforts to reach the World Series for the 3rd straight year. Last night Halladay showed the world once again as to why he’s highly regarded as the best pitcher in baseball.

Darren

Analyzing Roy Halladays 1st Phillies start

http://sports-ak.espn.go.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=300405120

Yesterday marked the first time in Roy Halladay’s 13 year career that the 32 year old right-hander started a home game in the United States. By God was it a good one at that. Halladay had spent his entire career up in Toronto as we all know, and after an offseason trade brought him to the Philadelphia Phillies, many believed the Phillies would reach their third straight World Series and Halladay would be the favorite to win his second Cy Young. Halladay showed everyone that he’s prepared to do so by simply baffling the Washington Nationals hitters for seven innnings of classic Roy Halladay ball. His pitching line read: 7IP 6H 1ER 2BB 9SO and 88 pitches (59 strikes,67%). Need I say more? Halladay has consistently won on bad teams, averaging 13.4 wins per year over the last dozen years. Now on a championship-caliber squad, Halladay should be able to win 20,21,22 games and possibly even more in 2010. The odd stat in the sheet was that Halladay, a career American League pitcher, had made contact in 3 of 4 at bats and even drove in a run with an infield single. Halladay pitched like a true ace and I can’t wait for his next 33-34 (Plus playoffs) starts this year.

Darren

Blanton signs a 3-year deal

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4846104

Veteran pitcher Joe Blanton avoided arbitration after agreeing to a 3 year deal with the Philadelphia Phillies, worth 24 million dollars. After a 12-8 season, in which he helped the Phillies get back to the World Series, Blanton was due to get an increase in pay. Blanton has been a workhorse over his career so far (Oakland and Philly), and should continue to be a slightly above-average pitcher who can rack up innings and wins.

Darren

Suprise pitchers of 2009- Part 2

After some requests from friends and my fellow Sherdog.com members, I decided to go ahead and do part two of my 2009 suprise pitchers blog. So here we go…

Andrew Bailey-Oakland A’s RP- Coming into the season, the A’s were counting on Brad Ziegler to be their closer and Santiago Casilla to be there insurance policy. Nobody would have thought that rookie Andrew Bailey would have ended up being the man in the 9th. So far this season Bailey’s numbers look like this; 42 games 4-3 2.07 ERA 0.97 WHIP 66:20 K:BB 10 SV-12 chances. Bailey could end up the American League rookie of the year.

Edwin Jackson-Detroit Tigers SP- Edwin Jackson finally broke through last year as a decent starter after years of troubles. At one point he was called up by the Dodgers as an 18 yr old top prospect. He was smacked around quite a bit and sent back to the minors and was thought of to be a bust. After pitching good last season, many people thought he would return to being the old Jackson. News flash: He’s pretty damn good. This season he’s posted numbers of 7-5 2.52 ERA 1.08 WHIP 1 CG 128.2 IP 101:40 K:BB and has been very consistent all season long. Edwin Jackson should continue to post solid numbers for the rest of the season and could be pitching in October with Detroit.

Tomy Hanson-Atlanta Braves SP- We all knew Hanson would be in AAA for a fair amount of time this year and we all knew he’d be good, but did anybody know he’d be THIS good? The Braves rookie has gone 5-0 in 8 starts with a 3.00 ERA 1.27 WHIP and a K:BB ratio of 36:23 in 48 IP. Hanson hasnt even looked rattled since his big league debut and is living up to the hype. He hasnt been racking up the strikeouts yet,but the key word is yet. He will start striking guys out as he gets more innings under his belt. Hanson could end up the National League Rookie of the Year and he has more then earned the hype. The Braves have an ace on their hands for the next few years.

J.A. Happ-Philadelphia Phillies SP-Happ has pitcher out of the bullpen and started this season. Coming in he was thought of as the #4 starter (behind guys like Brett Myers) and were hoping to get something like a 10-9 record out of him. He has been the best pitcher on the Phillies staff so far and it doesnt look like he’s going to slow down. In 23 games he’s started 11 and posted numbers of 7-0 2.65 ERA 1.15 WHIP 65:33 K:BB 94 IP 1CG 1 SHO.He doesnt strikeout a ton of batters but he gets guys out andwhen he gives up hits he limits the damage. The Phillies need Happ to continue to pitch this way if they want to repeat as World Champions.

Matt Cain- San Francisco Giants SP-Now everybody knew Cain was an ace-type pitcher coming into this season. Unfortuantely for him, he could never get the run support to give him a decent looking W-L record. Coming off back to back 14+ loss seasons, many wondered if Cain would ever become the pitcher he was touted to be. Well so far he has gone start for start with his SF teammate Tim Lincecum and helped keep them in playoff contention. In 19 starts Cain is 11-2 with a 2.32 ERa 1.23 WHIP 103:48 K:BB 3 CG in 124 IP and is right now a top 5 candidate for the Cy Young award. Cain could end up winning 20 games with a team that doesnt have a great offense. Cain is the real deal.

 

Darren

Suprise pitchers in 2009

Every year there is always a group of guys who pitch very well and have 99% of people saying, “How did this happen?” Just like every year, 2009 has had a few of them. Guys like Nick Blackburn and Ryan Franklin are prime examples of guys im talking about. Coming into the season nobody even knew whether or not Ryan Franklin would have the closers job in St Louis. Now look at him! He has an ERA of 0.76 and has 22 saves. Heres a group of guys who have been suprising this season.

Nick Blackburn-Twins SP-8-4 3.44 ERA 128.1 IP 54-29 K:BB 19 starts-13 quality 3 complete games. Coming into this year Blackburn was thought of as an average #4 starter for the Twins. A guy who doesnt strike out many batters and pitches to contact, Nick was thought to have been lucky last season with a 4.05 ERA. All he’s done this year is been the best and most consistent starter for Minnesota. I think Blackburn will keep up this good run and end the season with a record around 13-8 with an ERA of 3.55. Not bad for a #4.

Ricky Romero-Blue Jays SP-7-4 3.25 ERA 91.1 IP 77:35 KK:BB 14 starts-11 quality. Ricky was part of a huge draft with guys like Matt Garza and Ryan Braun involved. Romero struggled with injuries and inconsistency in the minors and was thought of as a bust. After a call-up this season, Romero has gone 7-4 with 11 of 14 starts being of the quality variety. In his minor league career he was 16-22 with an ERA of 4.42 and had a KK:BB ratio of 336:183 in 430 innings. Being left-handed has helped Romero in the bigs and I believe he can continue to pitch well for the remainder of the season. His strikeout rate should drop some but he should still post a solid W-L record.

Joe Blanton-Phillies-SP. Now I know what some of you guys will say. Joe Blanton stinks! Well I dont think Joe is anything more than an above average pitcher at best and only on occassion. But I must say that this season Blanton has pitched pretty well for a guy with a career 153-149 record. As the Phillies #3 starter this season, he has numbers of  6-4 4.24 ERA 110.1 IP 96:33 K:BB 18 starts-11 quality. Blanton has upped his K/9 rate and has been pitching very well, keeping Philly in games almost in every start. Now his quality starts/games started rate is only 11:18 but thats pretty good when you consider that he has average stuff and he pitches in Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies needed someone to pitch above their capabilities and Joe has more than done that this year. One other factor for the Phills is that Blanton has postseason experience and is 2-0 in the playoffs. That will be key for them because they will be able to throw him out there and he’ll know exactly what to expect and what to do. I think Blanton should keep the same pace for the rest of the season. I think he could end this year with about 11 or 12 wins.

Darren