Author: @flani_23

Hanley’s DFA Almost Makes No Sense

Hanley’s DFA Almost Makes No Sense

Posted by | May 25, 2018 | ,

Red Sox Nation took a huge hit yesterday: Hanley Ramirez was designated for assignment. This article hurts to type as I’m fighting away the tears at the same time. It leaves me to wonder why Dombrowski made this move in the first place. There are multiple reasons why, yet these reasons just simply don’t add up. The Money Hanley is still owed more than $12 million by the Red Sox. This is now adding on to more dead cap space, as they still have to pay obligations for Rusney Castillo (who is still in Pawtucket), and unfortunately Pablo Sandoval....

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Manny Machado to LA Needs to Happen

Manny Machado to LA Needs to Happen

Posted by | May 17, 2018 |

The fact Manny Machado is still in a Baltimore Orioles uniform is a concern. Mainly because Machado was predicted to be traded this past off-season. Rumors circulated that Machado could have been dealt to the Yankees, and thank God we avoided that nightmare. So the question is, “If traded, where will Manny Machado land?” That destination has to be the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the timing for that to happen is inevitable. A Surprise Job Opening Let’s take a little trip back in time. In September 2015, the Dodgers called up a twenty-one year old shortstop named Corey Seager. Since then,...

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Division Predictions: AL East

Division Predictions: AL East

Posted by | Mar 29, 2018 |

We FINALLY have arrived at the American League East. A division that should be run strictly by Boston and New York. The talent both teams possess makes these two no doubters to finish at numbers one and two. Toronto and Baltimore will look to play supporting roles in the division. Tampa Bay will be present in the division, but nothing more than mediocre. Here is the outlook: Tampa Bay Rays Chris Archer will be the anchor of this ball club. With the loss of Logan Morrison, Chris Archer is the face of Tampa Bay. With Denard Span and Carlos...

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Division Predictions: AL Central

Division Predictions: AL Central

Posted by | Mar 28, 2018 |

We now arrive at the American League Central. The division has the potential to be the worst in baseball. The loss of Hosmer in Kansas City pulls the Royals out of serious talks of a potential contention. Chicago will be led by the likes of José Aubreu and Yoan Moncada. Detroit has a new manager. The Twins will look to contend for a spot in the Wild Card. Here’s how the division will pan out: Chicago White Sox Other than José Aubreu and Yoan Moncada, not much is expected this season from Chicago. James Shields will be the ace of...

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Division Predictions: AL West

Division Predictions: AL West

Posted by | Mar 27, 2018 |

We have now arrived to discussing the American League, starting off with the West. The American League West will definitely draw some attention this season, with the arrival of Shohei Ohtani in Los Angeles. Houston is looking to defend their World Series title as they got even better this off-season. From the veteran presence of the clubhouse in Seattle, to Tim Lincecum, here is a look at the AL West in 2018: Oakland Athletics: On paper, the Athletics are considered to be in comparison to “The Island of Misfit Toys”. One look at their roster and you could consider...

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Division Predictions: NL East

Division Predictions: NL East

Posted by | Mar 22, 2018 |

The National League East had a sort of weird off-season. The Marlins cleaning house over the winter has made the division weaker. Yet at the same time, the arrival of Arrieta and Santana in Philadelphia have definitely given the division more strength. The Braves provide a young, talented presence that almost equals the Phillies’ talent. As for the Nationals, well they’re the Washington freaking Nationals man! Atlanta Braves The Braves are young and determined. Not much noise was made during the off-season by Atlanta. Despite that, you could consider the Braves similar to Philadelphia’s squad. Both teams are developing their...

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Division Predictions: NL Central

Division Predictions: NL Central

Posted by | Mar 14, 2018 |

The National League Central should be interesting this season. From the huge additions in Yelich and Cain by the “Brew Crew”, the signing of Marcell Ozuna in St. Louis, and to a very talented Cubs team. They will draw some attention this season as it looks the division just got more competitive. St. Louis Cardinals The Cardinals definitely upgraded with the acquisition of Marcell Ozuna in the trade with Miami. Ozuna adds power to a lineup which includes the likes of Matt Carpenter and Dexter Fowler. Martinez is the anchor of the rotation, which includes Michael Wacha and Adam...

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National League West Division Predictions

National League West Division Predictions

Posted by | Mar 14, 2018 |

National League West Predictions With the season approaching, I think it’s time to start dishing out my division predictions for 2018. I’ll go through each division looking at their pros and cons with my final standings at the end. So here we are starting off with the National League West. I have to be honest, I was surprised when Eric Hosmer decided to sign with the San Diego Padres. Leaving Kansas City, where he was idolized as their ideal franchise player, was honestly a bold move by Hosmer. He left Kansas City to become the new golden boy of...

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J.D. Martinez Officially Signs with the Red Sox

J.D. Martinez Officially Signs with the Red Sox

Posted by | Feb 19, 2018 | ,

We Finally Got Martinez We got him! Finally, after TEN MILLION YEARS of waiting we landed a deal with J.D. Martinez. I have to be honest, I wish I was more excited about this. The guy took FOREVER to sign. So at this point, instead of being hyped up about this signing, I’m just like “Oh, okay. I expected to hear that eventually.” It’s almost like being a kid finding presents your parents got you somewhere in the attic just before Christmas. So the next morning you act all surprised and excited when deep down inside you’re just like “Yeah,...

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Eduardo Nunez Is a Safe Sign

Eduardo Nunez Is a Safe Sign

Posted by | Feb 15, 2018 | , ,

Eduardo Nunez Is a Safe Sign This whole offseason we have been waiting for the day when JD or our “Plan B” Logan Morrison signs. We seemed to forget about a free agent who’s a familiar face and can be a HUGE help for the club. Yeah, that Eduardo Nunez guy, that’s who I’m talking about. Nunez and the Sox reportedly have signed a one-year deal with a second year option. The 30 year-old infielder is back, and to be honest I would be fine with Eduardo if we don’t get either Martinez or Morrison. Nunez came to Boston...

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Darvish Signs, What Does This Mean for MLB?

Darvish Signs, What Does This Mean for MLB?

Posted by | Feb 13, 2018 |

Finally. Another big name comes off the free agent board as Yu Darvish pens a six-year $126M deal with the Chicago Cubs. The deal comes with an opt-out clause in 2019 and the deal will go through his age 36 year. Darvish had been drawing interest from teams such as the Twins, Dodgers, Yankees, Astros, and the Brewers. He is coming off a season having posted a 3.86 ERA, 209 punch outs and ending with a 10-12 record (career worst). He was still considered the top pitcher in the free agent market ahead of Jake Arrieta. This comes despite performances in...

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Why Alex Cora May Be the Best Offeason Pickup

Why Alex Cora May Be the Best Offeason Pickup

Posted by | Feb 12, 2018 | ,

Let’s face it, this past offseason was as boring as watching David Ortiz run a forty-yard dash. The only exciting moment was J.D. Martinez signing with Boston for a $110 million deal. With the offseason concluded and the Red Sox underway with the season, we arrive at the question: “Who was the best pickup this offseason?” Well, believe it or not it’s Alex Cora. Not Mitch Moreland, not Keith Moreland, or Matt Moreland, but their new manager Alex Cora. Dave Dombrowski’s goals this past offseason were to hire a new skip and to add power to the lineup. He...

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Designated Hitters Are People Too

Designated Hitters Are People Too

Posted by | Feb 1, 2018 | ,

Designated Hitters Are People Too Listen, the designated hitter position in baseball is just as important as any other position on a roster. The position was adopted in the American League in 1973 after many years of debate on whether to allow a position player to hit for the pitcher in the batting lineup. The DH role in baseball has molded the careers of many great hitters such as “The Big Hurt” Frank Thomas, Travis Hafner, Paul Moliter, and Harold Baines. Of the “elite” players in the DH role we have Boston’s own David Ortiz, one of the most...

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What if JD Doesn’t Sign with Boston?

What if JD Doesn’t Sign with Boston?

Posted by | Jan 31, 2018 | ,

Holding Until Spring Training It’s the end of January. The MLB offseason is reaching its end and the Boston Red Sox haven’t made any notable moves besides the return of Moreland. The Sox are the front runners in the JD Martinez sweepstakes and he has yet to sign. The five year $100 million dollar deal the Sox offered has been on hold. The Scott Boras client even went on to say he would hold out until Spring Training to accept an offer. That’s flat out ridiculous, and this should make every Red Sox fan annoyed. The more I think of...

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Hosmer and JD Still Don’t Have Homes

Hosmer and JD Still Don’t Have Homes

Posted by | Jan 25, 2018 | ,

Three Weeks ‘Til Pitchers and Catchers Report Put yourselves in the shoes of JD Martinez. You have been presented with an offer by the Red Sox for a whopping five years, $125 million. Not many teams have shown that much interest in JD, but he was given an offer he and Boras shouldn’t refuse. Now you’re in the mind of Eric Hosmer. You have two seven year deals awaiting you. The Padres offering seven years for $140 million, and Kansas City is matching their offer but for $147 million. Life is looking pretty good right? The only issue with...

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