Author Archives: Eric Goudreau

About Eric Goudreau

It's pronounced "GOOD" not "GOWD". I'm just a guy who loves to watch baseball. I like stats but don't bleed them. I don't really care about launch angle and if I show my bias to the Red Sox too much you can kiss my rookie Nomar card that's above my bed every night. I started up my own site almost two years ago called Goudblogs.com that gave me a chance to throw out my wild sports opinions. I also have written for Wicked Local Sports in Danvers. I love anything and everything baseball. I have found myself sitting on Backyard Baseball for countless hours instead of working on my 40-page thesis. So join my journey in relentless distraction by reading these articles!

An Insight on Some of the Best Existing Online Casinos

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With the commendable virtualization of almost all fraternities over the planet, it is unimaginable to have any arena off the internet world today. Casinos, leaving no brick or stone unturned in its drive to turn brick and mortar casinos into virtual formats, have finally emerged as potential and easier procedures that aid the gambling process. Citing the comparatively better returns over gambling, online/virtualized form of casinos have gathered sense of immense significance and worth in the gambling world during recent years. Evidently, this marvelous importance can be owed to the benefits that they successfully pass to the users. Their ever growing popularity is just another happening consequence of their beneficial characteristics coupled with online availability.

The virtual casinos are facilitating payback percentages which surpass those that the ground casinos offer. Quite a beneficial deal for the entire gambling fraternity. Risky yet Easy money!

These online casinos are further bifurcated into other fragments on the categorized basis of varied characteristics of their being. Web based casinos, download based casinos, virtual casino games and live dealer casino games are some most preferred types to be named. Well, to be honest to the concepts of gambling, the immediate next allure that strikes gamblers after payout percentage is the BONUS. The term explains to an incentive type of bonus that is offered to players provided they use the provider’s real money products in arenas like sports betting, poker and casino.

Understanding the genuine fact that scrutinizing the best casino online has been a resilient and substantially critical task for most of us, here we bring to you the best online casinos. All sorted!

 On obvious grounds of mankind’s nature, the best online casino is of course related to the quantifying amount of money that one receives. On the aforesaid basis, best online casinos are:

  • BWIN

Undoubtedly, outshining others on the list of best online casinos is BWIN, formerly titled betadwin. Offering sports betting, poker and online gambling, bwin had over 20 million registered users in a market surpassing the 25 crore mark. Having said that, it is needless to mention the glories that it’s amazing payout percentage and BWIN BONUS has derived it, aiding it in retaining and maintaining its oh so amazing image in the online casino market.

  • 888 Casino-

This giant debuted in casino market over two decades prior to this date. The incredibly capturing payout percentage that it gives out is what gamblers all over are drooling for. A whopping 98.25% payout! This certainly adds feathers of pride and glory in its cap of casino business. Some of their top competitors would be 12bet Viet Nam

  • Dunder-

Recent but pays amazingly decent!

Existing only since march 2016, Dunder casino has held high its name in the casino fraternity real soon and in a manner that deserves multiple folds of commendation. This is completely pertinent to the unparallel and unmatched gaming experience that it derives to its users online.

  • Casumo Casino:
    Casumo, moving ahead with a commendable pace, keeping true the essentialities of the root concept of casinos, has become the best in implementing these concepts. 97%, next to just some, ahead of many, this is what the payout percentage of casumo brings to you.

Having brought to you these amazing than ever gambling options, personal recommendations state that BWIN BONUS will aid you to earn more than ever expected.

Give it a try; right now right here – for tomorrow is never promised.

Should David Price’s Big Stage Woes Cause Panic?

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Sunday night gave the David Price doubters all the fuel they needed to spit off every reason why he is not worth the big investment. I wonder how many times that has been used in Price articles? I’ve found myself as Price’s last line of defense when it comes to most conversations about the lefty. It does seem that when it comes to the big stage, Price does get a bit rattled. Here, we will make the case of both sides and evaluate where we stand.

 

Why to Panic

Let’s start off by pushing away the blow-hard Boston media perception of Price that has festered since his arrival. The theory is that he is not a good clubhouse leader and has a bad attitude or anything involving Fortnite.  A lot of the young guys in the clubhouse look up to Price, even players who are no longer on their team.

Fingers should be pointed at factual, unfortunate statistics for Price. After this career-high eight spot put up by the Yankees, Price’s totals against the Bombers went to a 2-6 with an 8.43 ERA. Price gave the Yankees and Aaron Hicks (3 HRs) possibly the best night of their July on the first night.

Now Price has jacked up his ERA to a 4.28. Less than desired from the $217M dollar man. And in the days after this Yankees start, it is hard to forget the fact that Price has yet to claim that post-season win. If we are truly bringing his attitude into play as well, David Price does not seem like the happy man who will keep committed to this contract when faced with an opt out. It has never seemed like Price’s statistical timeline has matched up with the rest of the team, so maybe sound the alarm.

 

Why Not to Panic

I vaguely remember a pitcher for the Red Sox who mightily struggled against the Yankees on the road. Years ago, a small Dominican man with a red glove was put into a mental pretzel in the Bronx. It’s very easy to get lost in the mayhem of New York baseball, especially when you are seen as the prey. IN NO WAY AM I CLAIMING DAVID PRICE IS EQUAL TO THE QUALITY OF PEDRO MARTINEZ. But if we are analyzing Boston greats, even the cream of the crop struggled with the New York Yankees, and even in the postseason at times. He won’t call them his daddy, but Price is certainly aware of the situation at hand.

“I’ve faced these guys a lot of times,” said Price. “Been in this division for a long period of time. I’ve faced the Yankees many times. It’s time for me to kind of go back to that drawing board and kind of reinvent myself against these guys.” -MLB.com

It’s clear that as the games go on, the pressure for Price to outshine the Yankees will be there. There are several check marks Boston fans have placed on Price in order for his lucrative contract to benefit them. One of which being consistent quality performances against New York. What I’m concerned with is the quality of David Price that was there before this New York start. Since May 17(disregarding Sunday’s start) Price was premium quality compared to the rest of the roster. Price had a 2.65 ERA, a 6-1 win-loss record, and a 3.27 FIP. This David Price would be nice to get back post this July 1st massacre.

My Conclusion

Personally, I have never had permanent doubt when it comes to David Price. Whether or not we should be paying him for this kind of quality is not in the fans’ control. Personally, I was swayed by postseason Price last year. The fire that was in that version of this pitcher is something that will come out in a divisional series against the Yankees. Rather than a no as meaningful series in the month of July.

 

 

I believe either side has a valid argument. But when it comes down to it  Price has produced quality statistics this season. For some people, the Price will never be right. What do you think?

Can J.D. Martinez Continue to Make Home Run History?

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It seems as though the 5-year 110 million dollar man J.D. Martinez is already proving himself worth the money. Last night J.D. hit his 25th home run of the season. This made him the leader in Red Sox history for most home runs before the month of July. He has brought the firework show well before the 4th and it’s been quite the spectacle.

 

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inOPkBFc8uU]

Sigh of Relief

This past couple of months has been nothing short of refreshing. The addition of this slugger has not only elevated the statistics of his own personal career, but it seems to have created intensity around the entire line-up. First, when evaluating this season thus far for Martinez, you have to look at the company he has joined since last night’s milestone missile. Martinez passed players such as Ted Williams (1950), Jose Canseco (1996), Mo Vaughn (1996) and Manny Ramirez (2001). Pretty elite class to say the least, but it sure does make you miss 1996. Regardless, this is something Red Sox nation has not seen in a while, even during Ortiz’s tenure.

Speaking on recent history, this is extra sweet because of the drought of 2017. You may be familiar, but this time last season Aaron Judge racked up 30 home runs before the All-Star break (July, 17). At that time the Red Sox were sending three players to the All-Star game (Sale, Kimbrel, Betts). Yet, they were certainly not the talk of the A.L East. Now the buzz is Boston who currently holds the two leaders in MLB SLG% (Betts .684, Martinez .654) and the current home run leader in Martinez. It is easy to get excited about a team that is red hot in June. But a combination of this with identical pitching which led them to post-season play is a game changer.

So at this point, the acquisition of J.D. Martinez more than an overall success. Even a surprise.  In 2013 Chris Davis, somehow, hit an A.L. record 37 home runs before the All-Star break. It would be nice to see that spot be taken by pure expert and student to the craft of his swing.

National League Update: Are You Scared of the Milwaukee Brewers?

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With the return of potential power threat Eric Thames, the Milwaukee Brewers’ depth is continuing to grow as injuries clear up. The Brewers stand at the top of the NL Central with a 40-27 record on the season, claiming the highest winning percentage (.597) in the National League. The biggest crutch to the Brewers overall success this season has been the collection of crucial players that have hit the disabled list and their less than desirable rotation.

What’s Hurting In MIL?

The Brewers have maintained the top spot in the NL while being short some major pieces all season long. Starting pitching has been less than Milwaukee’s strength the past couple seasons.

There seemed to be room for improvement in this department when Jimmy Nelson was pushed from the 60-day to the 10-day DL. Unfortunately, it seems the rotation will have to see their strides continue without Nelson, as shoulder inflammation has pushed back his due date yet again. A similar story was seen from Wade Miley, who got a flat tire out off the starting line for the Brewers with 1.42 ERA in two starts. He is also on the 60-day DL assignment due to a right oblique strain. It’s clear that health in the rotation has certainly stalled the Brewers development in the rotation thus far.

Junior Guerra, Chase Anderson, and Brent Sutter are not names you’d like to choose from when even thinking of a single game NL Wild Card series. The Brewers should either seek a trade deadline move to add to the lackluster rotation. Or start praying that the return of Zach Davies can prove greater than his first impression on the 2018 season. (2-5, 5.23 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 8 GS)

 

Can Brew Crew Bats Stay Hot?

Acquisitions in the offseason can only hope to have similar impacts on a roster as Milwaukee’s have this season.  Christian Yelich and Lorenzo Cain came in to fill gaps in the Brewers roster and have done even more. Yelich’s slash-line to this point in the season has been impressive even with his brief stint on the DL (.307 BA, .859 OPS, 8 HR, 28 RBI). Milwaukee is appearing to still be on the right end of the 2016 Travis Shaw trade as the power numbers continue to roll in. Pitchers against Shaw have seen their ERA continue to spike with his early 14 HRs and 43 RBIs.

The power surge won’t stop there either if names such as Eric Thames and spot appearances from the still dangerous Ryan Braun can bring together larger numbers.  Jesus Aguilar also created an early season impact for the Brewers. Milwaukee is hoping this isn’t a complete fluke as Aguilar’s stats in the past 30 games is not indicative to a continuing streak. (.248 BA, .326 OBP, .540 SLG)

Bright Bullpen Lights

The 2017 NL-All Star Corey Knebel went down early in the season and the Brewers had to scramble and find a stall. What they ended up finding was potentially the greatest surprise of the 2018 season. Josh Hader’s performance this season can be described nothing short of dominance. (72 K, 22 G, .703 WHIP, 1.22 ERA)

Hader is able to hit the triple digits with a fastball, yet remain a constant mystery with multiple breaking options. A perfect mold of the modern-day closer. But with Knebel returning to the closer role, it appears Hader will be pushed back to the set-up role alongside Jacob Barnes (2.08 ERA, 25 K, 24 G). The Brewers bullpen depth may be the reason for they’ve been able to stand tall in the NL thus far.

The question does remain if this will be enough to keep the Brewers in contention for a playoff run. While bullpens are appearing to be the future in turns of impact pitching down the road of a season, can a team like the Brewers with no true ace maintain this for the remaining 95?

Is Rick Porcello Back?

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It seems as though a spring of Derek Lowe whispering sweet nothings has done Rick Porcello a whole lot of good this season so far.

Last Season

Flashing back to 2017 is a tough ride for Porcello, as he had almost as many losses as he did wins from his 2016 CY Young season. Rick came in with a cool 11-17, and it was clear nothing much was working in his favor. The Red Sox, although a contending team, did not provide Porcello his usual run support, which in turn lead to a collapse in performance on the mound. By the time that the bats ended up pulling through, it was clear that Porcello was a ghost of his consistent self the year before. Porcello by the end of the year was locating that devastating sinker straight down the pipe, and ended the season with an ERA of 4.65 and leading the league in home runs with 38. Needless to say, a couple got away from the big man. This year could be different though.

What Has Changed

Here we are in 2018, and the Rick Porcello you knew last year is a ghost. Why do I say that? Although Porcello (3-0) is never going to be that lights-out pitcher at the top of your order, having him third in the rotation is comforting. Porcello has seemed to relocate his sinker back to where it belongs, in those tight corners of the zone the ump loves to give you. Although not all of those sinkers having been painting the corners, when Porcello misses his spots it seems as though he’s getting the outs he needs in the field. What is crucial to Porcello’s arsenal is something that he has no control over. In 2016 the Red Sox had a team that could put runs on the board, and it seems to be happening this year whenever Porcello straps in.

Red Sox Run Support

While on the mound this season the Red Sox have been able to provide 19 runs in three games. In the last 34 starts that Porcello has had with 3+ runs of breathing room, he has gone 29-0. With a bolstered lineup, it seems as if the Red Sox may be able to provide Porcello with support a majority of the time he’s on the bump. Is it smart to rely on the Red Sox to put up 3+ runs every single game Porcello starts after the drought of last season? No, probably not. But it does appear that this 2018 Red Sox lineup has production throughout. The games that a major bat isn’t producing, the lower part of the order is picking up that slack.

For example, in Porcello’s Yankees home start, Sandy Leon started a second inning flurry of four runs. This early game production is something that Porcello will need to be a sustainable asset for Boston. It is clear that the Red Sox hitters who will be relied on for production later in the year aren’t fully here yet. But I doubt Benintendi will bat .231 all season. We didn’t pay J.D Martinez what we did in confidence that .227 was his ceiling. April baseball is deceiving.

Conclusion

So instead of grinding your teeth a bit when you see that Rick Porcello is starting like you did last year, I think it’s time to have confidence in the former Cy Young winner. So is Porcello back? With 162 games on the docket, this season is a long and winding road to make assumptions. But Porcello has two seasons in Boston with 180+ strikeouts. The only difference between the two seasons is the support he was getting in 2017 v. 2016. So my answer is simple. IF the Red Sox provide Rick Porcello 3+ run support by the third inning each game he goes out, he will end the season with 20 wins.

Red Sox Players to Get Excited for in 2018: Carson Smith

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There doesn’t seem to be a player who is deeper under the radar on the Boston Red Sox than Carson Smith. If Boston wants to take command of the AL East this year, the bullpen is going to have to take people by surprise. Smith may not be the biggest stand out in the arsenal. But the potential support he could give to this pitching staff may be a huge difference maker for a contending team.

Injury & Statistics

If you haven’t heard of Carson Smith, you can probably thank Dr. Andrews for that. Carson underwent Tommy John last season before even being able to touch a ball in the regular season. Going under the knife took Smith out all the way into the late portion of the season, only allowing him to appear in eight games. Was it worth it? Carson came back with a healthy possibly stronger arm than before and he sure showed it.

With those eight games, Smith put up an ERA of 1.35. In those 6.2 innings of work, Boston saw the arm they’d been craving all season. The craving which led to the impulse signing of Addison Reed. What may be even more exciting is the numbers Smith was able to put up in the only full season of work under his belt in 2015. Even a little of this in the middle of the bullpen could create real problems for other teams in the American League. Especially when it leads to the flame-throwing, rocket arm of Craig Kimbrel.

Game Footage

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWlXQxEuSrM

Watching this guy pitch is a whole different story. Smith only needs three unique pitches to send opposing hitters back to the pine. A slider that could easily be mistaken for Chris Sales. A sinker with opposite movement of the slider that can not only create plays for the infield, but also dials up the radar to high 90’s. Then to mix it all up, a frozen change up. Smith’s lengthy stature and unique arm release is something not many pitchers have and not many batters see.

With the potential return this season of Tyler Thornburg and improving support of players like Joe Kelly, the Red Sox may have enough backups for the rotation to feel comfortable. A game started off by Chris Sale and closed off by Craig Kimbrel needs a bit of insurance. This is where Carson Smith can and will make his impact this season.

 

Red Sox Players to Get Excited for in 2018: Rafael Devers

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As the season nears every day, memories from the Fall come to my mind. Thinking about the series against Houston may hit a weak spot in the guts of Red Sox Nation. But there is one moment that I look back to that makes me excited for 2018. Rafael Devers did something in the last game of that series that no one saw coming. Something not always expected from a stocky power-hitting third baseman. That moment will bring together the excitement.

Inside the Park Home Run:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7eE9PrKOB4

Why Devers In 2018 Is Excited:

Baseball Reference is the usual spot for baseball statistics, but I think they should be called out. Raffy Big Stick put up an impressive line in 2017, all within the span of 58 games.

Not bad for a 20-year-old. Devers was able to become a stable source of power throughout his call-up in Boston. A reliable source for a team that was in the spotlight for a team in one of the hardest divisions in baseball. Each at-bat it seemed like Devers could bring everyone around, no matter who was on the bump. Ask Aroldis Chapman. To me with a full season, one would think his 2018 year will be just as productive. Baseball Reference seems to not think the same. In fact, they believe the difference of 80 games that Raffy will only grab 3 more home runs.

In the time that Devers joined the Red Sox major league roster, the 20-year-old had a WAR of 1.3. It is hard to believe that Devers will only be able to get 11 more RBI’s than the previous season. Rafael Devers also has made adjustments at the plate and expanded his range of swing. In a way that makes him look like a younger Vladamier Guerrero against the Indians last season.

 

Back to Aroldis Chapman again. This moment took over the baseball world in one swing. The facts and statistics that came out after the home run regarding the difficulty of what he did were shocking.

 

Conclusion:

Devers defied the odds of a situation that since the use of Stat Cast, had not been accomplished. Chapman giving up a home run to a lefty? Never happened. The pitch he hit is the fastest pitch to ever be sent out. How many people expected this sort of impact from a 20 year old fresh out of the minors? So as the season begins, print out the projected stats from Baseball Reference. I’m sure you could cross off each statistic he surpasses by the All-Star break. Red Sox fans craving power in the lineup- look no further than Raffy’s hot corner.

 

Where Does Benintendi Fall in Top 10 Left Fielders?

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Before we begin, the dissection and determination of the overall value of one MLB player compared to others is no easy task. It takes a deep in-depth look at several facets of their individual impact. The player can have tremendous talent and outshine their teammates or fit well in a system giving them opportunities constantly to produce. Without continuing to skate around the point, ranking players ahead of others isn’t always easy. There is a way of looking at the personal statistics a player can produce, but there always must be a situational and big picture perception.

In an article written by Mike Petriello, he broke down the top ten left fielders in all of the MLB based off of The Shredder’s list. This would be the official ranking of Top 10 Right Now. Andrew Benintendi was placed on this list, which wasn’t a shock to me at all, although the order may leave some to question. Given Benintendi seems to be a staple of this organization for years to come, it is fair to comment on the results of The Shredder list as well.

The Shredder’s List- Left Fielders

1. Marcell Ozuna (STL)
2. Yoenis Cespedes (NYM)
3. Justin Upton (LAA)
4. Ryan Braun (MIL)
5. Trey Mancini (BAL)
6. Khris Davis (OAK)
7. Adam Eaton (WAS)
8. Andrew Benintendi (BOS)
9. Marwin Gonzalez (HOU)
10. Brett Gardner (NYY)

Eric Goudreau’s Thoughts & List:

I will not go into strong details about each individual player as that would take the plot away from this article. I will give my list below, but the objective and purpose of this piece are to justify my positioning of Andrew Benintendi and to argue the list above. Yes, I am a Red Sox fan by heart, yes I sleep under a signed picture of Andrew Benintendi every night, but this will not promote any objectivity. I am a fan of this game first, and when I see a glaring injustice done to a player of Benintendi’s value I speak. Or type.

1. Marcell Ozuna (STL)
2. Yoenis Cespedes (NYM)
3. Justin Upton (LAA)
4. Andrew Benintendi (BOS)
5. Marwin Gonzalez (HOU)
6. Rhys Hoskins (PHI)
7. Adam Eaton (WAS)
8. Ryan Braun (MIL)
9. Kris Davis (OAK)
10. Brett Gardner (NYY)

Andrew Benintendi Explanation: 

Screen Shot 2018-01-30 at 12.16.17 PM

There needs to be a constant reminder when looking at each of these players on my list. I am evaluating player performance as well as what the team’s style seems to be. The player succeeds when the system surrounding him can play to strength and weaknesses. Also added to this is the player’s potential growth in those systems. This is based on their skill set relative to team needs/concentrations.

Andrew Benintendi finished his long rookie season coming just shy of the AL Rookie of the Year award. Maybe just shy is not the word when comparing him to the MLB The Show 18 cover boy. Second place will not be ignored. For me, this completely negates Trey Mancini on The Shredder’s List. Yes, Trey Mancini has shown growth with outstanding power and surprising defense. With a career total of WAR for 3.1 to Mancini’s 2.5 and the RoY standings being what they were, I don’t put him ahead of Benintendi.

Andrew’s Age:

What will push Benintendi (age 23) over the likes of Adam Eaton (age 29), Khris Davis (age 30) and post PED use Ryan Braun (age 34) is sheer age and potential. It has been a universal agreement and observation that in baseball the prime of a player’s career is around the ages of 26-29/30.

A player like Andrew Benintendi being in these talks around the age of 23 for a top player at his position does not come very often. A player passing through the ranks of AAA to a major league diamond to create an impact like Benintendi did in 2016 does not come very often. Now if you want to argue that I’m basing Benintendi to be better LONG TERM compared to these players, I can see a point to be made. But if we want to even look at the numbers last season, it’s important to back to the statistic that does not lie.

WAR

1. Andrew Benintendi- 2.6
2. Khris Davis- 2.5
3. Ryan Braun- 1.2
4. Adam Eaton- 0.4

I gave the edge to Benintendi for my last criteria, which is the system. Personally, I believe there was a misuse of players in the 2017 Red Sox system. The argument could even be made for the 2016 team as well. Both teams Benintendi has been a part of/still excelled in. John Farrell’s firing could be the best thing that has happened to the grooming and maintenance of players in Boston. In Benintendi’s situation a new young manager, Alex Cora, will only benefit his career. At times Cora has dealt with young talent both in playing years (Dustin Pedroia) and his one year in Houston.

I look to the development of Marwin Gonzalez (HOU) as an example. It may surprise most that Marwin Gonzalez at the age of 28 came in 19th for AL MVP last season. A player who has never mentioned in such conversation in past years. Although Alex Cora may not have been the main cog of Marwin Gonzalez seeing success, Cora witnessed it happen at the position. With a mold like Andrew Benintendi and a manager like Cora who has quite an eye for talent, I believe Benintendi’s ceiling is massive for 2018.

With all that said, the entire argument’s based on statistics and some “I believe”. The flurries of opinions are what makes the MLB community great. Ultimately I want you to let me know how you are feeling in the comments.

(YouTube: FXbyAidan)

MLB FREE AGENCY: Top Five Hitters Remain

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Most major headline deals have already been wrapped up this winter.  But a fair share of impact players remain unsigned to an MLB contender. With names like Ohtani, Stanton, and Wade Davis all finding new homes, other contending teams are scrambling.  Hitting was king in 2017.  Right now, five top sluggers still need homes. Who do you think tops the list?

Honorable Mentions

Jonathon Lucroy

Lucroy heading into his age-31 season may have been more appealing two years ago. Only recording six HR in 2017, it seems the power hitting righty needs to make some adjustments at the plate. The Rockies bulking their bullpen shows their ‘win now’ mentality. Completely realistic considering last year’s run with some true superstar names on the roster. Although home runs of years past are a glaring non-predictive statistic, it is hard to lose all faith in Lucroy.  In 142 at-bats, Lucroy managed to hit a solid .310 BA with a .866 OPS in the cold mountains. In an ERA of batting statistics with not many true hitting catchers, Lucroy could find himself behind a new dish this coming spring.

Jay Bruce

With 36 HR in 2017, it seems like Jay Bruce is not a bad bat to have in the middle of the order. Although a .254 BA cannot be overlooked when it comes to Bruce, he still brings value to a ball club. It seems like most teams Bruce would audition for a DH role. And in venues that favor this lefty, he could provide quite the impact for a contending ball club. What is impressive is this 30-year-old slugger saw the peak of his career in the homerun statistics at later stages in his prime. Look for those adjustments to land him a decent contract for a contending ball club in 2018.

 

Top Five

5) Mike Moustakas

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LY8Ufc-DzQI]
For many teams, Mike Moustakas popped on the radar well before this off season. Moustakas was seen as a hot commodity at the 2017 trade deadline for his unbelievable power and his improving glove in the field. In presumably his prime year at age 29, Moustakas hit 38 HR with a .272 BA. The sweeping, swinging lefty came eight at-bats shy of his season record 563, this in his second full season of major league play.  As the years go on he hasn’t slowed down, just improved and taken on more. It seemed like the writing was on the wall for a good chunk of Royals players at the end of the 2017 season. Although on a lot of teams’ Christmas lists, this gift may never leave the workshop. Moustakas showed no interest in leaving KC last season and has stated he wants no part in leaving.

Top Suitors: KC, NYY, STL

 

4)Eric Hosmer

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdXKEqoPglw]

One of the top players in this group would be Eric Hosmer, a solid player all over the diamond. Hitting his peak in WAR last season at 4.0, Hosmer provided defense/offense and experience/leadership. Many managers in the MLB praise his clubhouse presence which has been talked about for a majority of his career. Hosmer duplicated his 25 home run season of 2016 in 2017 and with that brought a .318 batting average(.266 in 2016). It’s clear Hosmer is a weapon, with a contract that may be the only scary aspect of the 28-year-old.

When Scott Boras sits across from you at the negotiation table you’ll end up with two things. An empty wallet, but a mighty fine player. It is estimated by most Hosmer will ask for six or more years with a dollar amount over $120M USD.   He has intangibles and tangibles to bolster his resume. It’s just about finding the team to go all in.

Top Suitors: COL, MIL, KC

 

3)Eduardo Nunez

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIUvlnMHWv0]
To get my personal Eduardo Nunez feelings out of the way now, I will be very upset to see him leave Boston if he does. Nunez was one of the stand-out deadline deals in the second half of the season, creating an instant impact for the Red Sox. He fulfilled a role trading the contact swing for power that Boston desperately needed going into the postseason. Nunez batted a .313 BA in 2017 with 24 steals and a .892 OPS for Boston in the second half. The 30-year-old posted a career high in doubles for 2017 with almost 100 fewer at-bats than the year prior. Not to mention Nunez is comfortable playing almost any position on the diamond, providing the flexibility any team needs. Watching Eduardo go down in game one of the ALDS against Houston was heartbreaking. How he bounces back from this injury and surgery is still to be determined, which may hurt or improve his chances of landing a large deal. Personally, I believe a Nunez deal will all be dependent on if Manny Machado is in a different clubhouse this coming season.

Top Suitors: NYY, BOS

 

2)Lorenzo Cain

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFCQ-t1y5Y4]

This past season Lorenzo Cain made his case as a top free agent known with a stand-out season. Cain hit a clean .300 in BA and came one long ball from hitting his career high of 16.  Although compared to the rest, this may not be an impressive number.  But Cain is a complete player. Bringing in a WAR of 5.3, he brought in 26 stolen bases and took a free pass to first a personal record of 54 times.

Cain continues to grow into a veteran presence at the plate, opting for selectivity when racking in his career high 175  hits in 2017. Along with all of this, Cain seems just to be a more realistic option for most teams who need a spot filled in the outfield. The center fielder is likely to receive a deal from $60M- $70M USD for what most suspect to be four years. By the end of his contract, Cain would be playing in  his age 35 season.

Top Suitors: TOR, NYY, KC, COL

 

1)J.D. Martinez

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pex6NsyKwh0]

Coming off the year of the home run, it is hard to make a case J.D. Martinez isn’t the top in his class right now in free agency. As the offseason goes by and teams watch top hitters go by, Scott Boras and his client continue to drool. The money Martinez will be looking for is not something you’ll find under in you couch during your spring cleaning spree. No, no, no.  For this money you can buy a 29-bedroom Hamptons mansion (America’s Largest) or a private island in the Bahama’s or even the Playboy mansion. The contract will be somewhere north of $200M for eight years from a 30-year-old Miami man.

Although it may seem annoying to see J.D. get that payday, the facts stand.  J.D. roped in 45 long balls last season, hitting an average of .303. Martinez was all general managers dream for in the trade deadline for years to come. Martinez brought in 29 of the 45 home runs in the second half of the season for Arizona. All this makes Mike Hazen look like a pretty smart man for orchestrating that trade at the deadline for his NL Wild Card champions. J.D. does have incredible value, and will probably get his money. Now it’s about who is signing the check? The only realistic rumbles in this man’s future have come from Boston. If Boston can not clear up the space needed to provide him a home, look for a top contender to sweep in.

Top Suitors: BOS/ If Not BOS: HOUS, LAD, STL

 

 

HOT STOVE: Which Marlins Player Should The Red Sox Pursue Now?

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JT Realmuto isn’t the slugger Red Sox faithful imagined coming to the South Shore from South Beach. As an underdog acquisition, Realmuto in Boston could have promise. JD Martinez may be the player who is on everyone’s list this holiday season, and for good reason. I believe Realmuto would come at a low price point that the Sox can easily afford, as a compliment to a Martinez deal.

Realmuto is Real Deal:

As Craig Mish reported this morning around 10 am EST, Realmuto has approached Miami’s front office about being traded. You have to imagine Jeter is licking his chops, and is ready to deal out another player.

It would not come as a surprise if most Boston fans have not heard of JT Realmuto. He is an impressive catcher, who is starting to show progress each year at the plate, in his year 26 season. Although Realmuto has yet to add any accolades to his young career, there is room to improve. To me, JT is very reminiscent of a young Jason Varitek. With the captain a new member of the Red Sox front office, it may be destiny. Varitek’s role with the organization was described as a boots on the ground position. He will be more involved with player development, rather than any behind the desk work for the Red Sox.  So, in theory, Tek could mold Realmuto into the leader he was, but that seems like another Red Sox dream that is too good to be true.

The tough part of this trade, is the realization that Christian Vazquez isn’t the catcher of the future.  Vazquez does have incredible value right now, coming off the season he had last year. But five home runs for the worst power team in the league doesn’t seem like a solution for 2018. Vazquez’s batting statistics are improving, and defensive metrics are sublime. Yet the two catchers are identical in age, and Realmuto checks more boxes in his MLB progression than Vazquez. Realmuto more than doubles most of Vazquez’s run production at the plate. Finding a catcher who can produce those numbers is valuable and realistic, especially when their first name isn’t Buster.

youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZpZBJQwkeY

(all sporst NEWS)

Why Not Yelich:

To me, this seems a bit more realistic and practical than any trades for Christian Yelich.  Yelich does have more  superstar status than Realmuto, but what Yelich provides is no different than what you’d trade to get the silver slugger outfielder.

Personally, these statistics are not drastically different than Realmuto. The Red Sox outfield, compared to catching, has a bit more stability. The Red Sox rumored to trade Jackie Bradley Jr. in a Yelich deal, which to me seems like insanity. The benefits in getting Yelich may be in his two years of youth that JBJ may not have, but the stats between these two aren’t drastically different enough for me to press the big red button on Yelich.

It would be ideal for Red Sox fans see JD and JT under the tree this winter. This period in the offseason is hopefully the quiet before the storm of Red Sox trades. If these aren’t the guys on your Red Sox holiday list, who would you like to see in Boston come spring?