Category: MLB

by Matt Windsor (US)

MLB: Cardinals Legend Yadier Molina Joins Front Office as Special Assistant to President of Baseball Operations

The St. Louis Cardinals recently announced a significant addition to their front office by naming Yadier Molina, a distinguished former catcher and franchise icon, as a special assistant to John Mozeliak, the president of baseball operations. This appointment marks a new chapter for Molina, who has been synonymous with the Cardinals throughout his remarkable career.

Molina’s tenure with the Cardinals is nothing short of legendary. Over 19 Major League seasons, all with St. Louis, he appeared in 2,224 games, setting a record for the most games played behind the plate by a catcher for a single team. His illustrious career includes nine Rawlings Gold Glove awards, four Platinum Glove awards, and ten selections as a National League All-Star. Notably, Molina and teammate Adam Wainwright hold the Major League record for 328 starts as a battery duo.

Molina was instrumental in leading the Cardinals to four World Series appearances (2004, 2006, 2011, 2013), clinching the championship in 2006 and 2011. He holds the franchise record for the most postseason games played (104) and hits (102). During his playing career, which began on June 3, 2004, the Cardinals were rarely out of postseason contention, being eliminated in only 24 of the 2,921 games played.

Beyond his on-field achievements, Molina’s contributions extend to his community involvement. He was the recipient of the 2018 Roberto Clemente Award, the highest honor in Major League Baseball for community service. Additionally, he was honored by his teammates with the 2015 Darryl Kile Award. After retiring following the 2022 season, Molina also gained managerial experience, leading the Puerto Rican team in the 2023 World Baseball Classic and managing Navegantes del Magallanes in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League in 2022.

Drafted by the Cardinals in the fourth round of the 2000 MLB Draft from Bayamon, Puerto Rico, Molina’s return to the Cardinals in a leadership role is a testament to his enduring legacy and the respect he commands within the organization. In his new position, he will provide invaluable insights and guidance both at the major league level and within the minor league system, leveraging his extensive experience and deep understanding of the game.

by Matt Windsor (US)

MLB: Joe Castiglione Honored with 2024 Ford C. Frick Award for Four Decades as Voice of the Red Sox

Joe Castiglione, the renowned voice of the Boston Red Sox on the radio for an impressive 41 seasons, has been honored with the prestigious 2024 Ford C. Frick Award. This award, bestowed annually by the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, recognizes excellence in baseball broadcasting. Castiglione’s achievement will be celebrated during the Hall of Fame Awards Presentation, part of the Hall of Fame Weekend scheduled for July 19-22, 2024.

Castiglione’s broadcasting career is marked by its longevity and impact. He started with the Red Sox in 1983, the final season of legendary player Carl Yastrzemski, and has since become a fixture in New England, connecting generations of Red Sox fans. His distinctive commentary during the team’s four World Series victories over the past 20 seasons has made a lasting impression on the fans.

Born in Hamden, Connecticut, Castiglione pursued his undergraduate degree at Colgate University and then completed his master’s degree at Syracuse University. His broadcasting career began at WFMJ-TV in Youngstown, Ohio, and included stints calling games for the Cleveland Indians and Milwaukee Brewers before returning to the Indians’ booth in 1982. The following year, he joined the Red Sox radio team.

Throughout his tenure, Castiglione has worked with various partners, such as Bob Starr, Dave O’Brien, Jerry Trupiano, and Will Flemming. In addition to his broadcasting work, he has also contributed to the field of education, teaching broadcast journalism at Northeastern University, Franklin Pierce University, and Emerson College.

Recognized for his contributions to Red Sox history, Castiglione was inducted into the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2014. He has called several historic moments, including Roger Clemens’ 20-strikeout games and four no-hitters. In 2022, the Fenway Park radio booth was named in his honor, a testament to his significance in Red Sox lore.

The Ford C. Frick Award is named after the renowned sportswriter, radio broadcaster, National League president, and baseball commissioner, and is voted upon annually. The award’s criteria emphasize commitment to excellence, quality of broadcasting, reverence within the game, popularity with fans, and peer recognition. To be eligible, broadcasters must have at least 10 years of major league broadcast service. The award process involves a rotating election cycle focusing on different eras of broadcasting, ensuring a comprehensive acknowledgment of broadcasting excellence through the years.

by Matt Windsor (US)

MLB: Veteran Reliever Craig Kimbrel Nears Free-Agent Deal with Orioles to Strengthen Bullpen

Craig Kimbrel, a seasoned reliever in Major League Baseball (MLB), is reportedly nearing a free-agent deal with the Baltimore Orioles, as per The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. Although the Orioles have yet to officially confirm this development, Kimbrel’s potential addition comes at a critical time. The Orioles are looking to bolster their bullpen, especially in light of AL Reliever of the Year Félix Bautista’s absence for the 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery. Kimbrel’s presence alongside All-Star Yennier Cano would significantly strengthen the Orioles’ bullpen.

At 35, Kimbrel is among the most accomplished relievers in MLB history. He achieved a milestone on May 26, becoming the eighth pitcher to record 400 saves, a feat he accomplished in his 730th career game. This achievement places him behind only Mariano Rivera and Trevor Hoffman in terms of the fewest appearances to reach 400 saves. Kimbrel was also selected for his ninth All-Star Game approximately six weeks later, a testament to his enduring skill and reputation in the league.

During his one-year contract with the Phillies, valued at $10 million, Kimbrel was named the National League Reliever of the Month for June. He concluded the 2023 regular season with an impressive performance, allowing just two earned runs through 12 innings in September. However, Kimbrel experienced a downturn during the NLCS against the D-backs in October, leading to his removal from the closer’s role. This was reminiscent of his time with the Dodgers in 2022, where a similar slump resulted in his exclusion from the NLDS roster.

Kimbrel’s career statistics are notable. He has the second-best strikeouts per nine innings (K/9) rate (14.2) among pitchers with at least 500 innings pitched and maintains high strikeout and whiff rates. Conversely, his walk rate has been above 10 percent in five of the past six seasons, and he often allows significant contact when hitters connect with his pitches. As he enters his 15th MLB season, Kimbrel holds a 2.40 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP over 757 1/3 innings, having played for teams like the Braves, Padres, Red Sox, Cubs, White Sox, Dodgers, and Phillies. While his postseason performance isn’t as stellar, highlighted by a 4.50 ERA and 5.16 FIP, he did secure a World Series ring with Boston in 2018.

by Matt Windsor (US)

MLB: Texas Rangers Honor Late Gerry Fraley with BBWAA Career Excellence Award

Nashville, TN: The Texas Rangers have expressed deep honor and respect for the late Gerry Fraley, a prominent figure in baseball journalism, who has been posthumously awarded the 2024 BBWAA Career Excellence Award. This prestigious recognition was announced at the annual meeting of the Baseball Writers Association of America, held during the Baseball Winter Meetings.

Fraley, who passed away on May 25, 2019, after a valiant fight against cancer, was 64 years old at the time of his passing. His journalistic career spanned over three and a half decades, predominantly with the Dallas Morning News, where he became known for his passionate and meticulous coverage of the game. His work ethic and dedication to reporting were evident even in his final years, as he continued to cover the Texas Rangers with unwavering commitment despite his illness.

The Rangers, along with the BBWAA, have expressed their intention to join Gerry Fraley’s family in celebrating his memory and contributions to baseball journalism at the National Baseball Hall of Fame’s Awards Presentation scheduled for July 20 in Cooperstown, New York​​.

by Matt Windsor (US)

MLB: Pittsburgh Pirates Bolster Pitching Roster with Marco Gonzales from Atlanta Braves

Pittsburgh, December 05, 2023- The Pittsburgh Pirates have made a strategic move by acquiring seasoned left-handed pitcher Marco Gonzales from the Atlanta Braves. This trade, involving cash considerations and a player to be named later, aims to enhance the Pirates’ pitching strength.

Career Overview of Marco Gonzales:

  • Record and Performance: Gonzales holds a commendable 65-49 record, with a 4.14 ERA over his career. His control on the mound is evident from his low walk rate of 2.26 per 9.0 innings since 2018, ranking 10th among left-handers in MLB during this period.
  • 2023 Season: Before being sidelined for the season due to injury in June, Gonzales performed notably for the Mariners, securing a 4-1 record and a 5.22 ERA.
  • Career Milestones: Beginning his major league journey with St. Louis Cardinals in 2014, Gonzales has had a significant impact in the leagues. His 2020 season was particularly impressive, where he ranked among the top 10 in wins, innings pitched, and ERA in the American League.
  • Legacy with Seattle Mariners: Gonzales, a Roberto Clemente Award nominee in 2022, has left a mark in Mariners history, being eighth in all-time wins, tied seventh in starts, and 10th in strikeouts.

Implications for the Pirates:

  • The addition of Gonzales is expected to bring depth and experience to the Pirates’ pitching lineup.
  • The team’s 40-man roster is now almost complete, standing at 39 players after this acquisition.

This move indicates the Pirates’ commitment to strengthening their squad, with Gonzales expected to play a key role in their upcoming season strategies​​.

by Matt Windsor (US)

MLB: Yankees Acquire Alex Verdugo from Red Sox in Rare Inter-Rival Trade

Nashville, December 6, 2023 – The New York Yankees have made a significant move in their quest for a left-handed batter, acquiring outfielder Alex Verdugo from their historic rivals, the Boston Red Sox. This transaction marks a rare instance of trade between these two storied franchises.

Player Profiles:

  • Alex Verdugo: At 27, Verdugo is a promising addition to the Yankees. In his four seasons with Boston, he showcased solid performance, hitting .264/.324/.421 in the 2023 season with notable stats including 37 doubles, 13 home runs, and 54 RBIs. Over his seven-year career, which includes time with the Dodgers and Red Sox, Verdugo has maintained a .281/.337/.428 slash line, adding 57 homers and 255 RBIs in 651 games. Known for his versatility, Verdugo has experience playing right field, left field, and center field.

Traded Players to Red Sox:

  • Richard Fitts: A right-handed pitcher and the Yankees’ No. 12 prospect, Fitts has shown promise in his minor league career with an 18-13 record and a 3.57 ERA.
  • Greg Weissert: At 28, Weissert has major league experience, posting a 4.60 ERA over 29 appearances between 2022 and 2023.
  • Nicholas Judice: The youngest of the trio, 22-year-old Judice is yet to make his professional debut, being a recent eighth-round pick in the 2023 MLB Draft.

Yankees’ Strategy:

  • General Manager Brian Cashman’s acquisition of Verdugo aligns with his strategy to bolster the Yankees’ outfield, especially with left-handed hitters. This move does not rule out further trades or signings, with potential targets like Juan Soto and Cody Bellinger still in consideration.
  • The Yankees, having struggled offensively last season, particularly during a stretch without Aaron Judge due to injury, aim to strengthen their lineup with Verdugo’s inclusion.

Historical Context:

  • This trade is only the eighth between the Yankees and Red Sox since the beginning of the Divisional Era in 1969, a testament to the rarity of such transactions between these rival teams.

The Yankees, welcoming Verdugo to the Bronx, look forward to the potential impact he can bring to the team as they prepare for the upcoming season​​.

by Matt Windsor (US)

MLB: Cleveland Guardians Clinch First Pick in 2024 MLB Draft Lottery

In a remarkable turn of events at the Major League Baseball Draft Lottery in Nashville, the Cleveland Guardians secured the first overall pick in the 2024 Draft. This marks the first time the Guardians will have the top pick in the draft, despite having previously picked second overall on five occasions.

The Draft Lottery, now in its second year, has reshaped the draft landscape. The Guardians had only a 2% chance of clinching the top spot but defied the odds. Cleveland’s baseball operations president, Chris Antonetti, expressed his satisfaction with the lottery system, noting it offered an opportunity that would have otherwise required the team to endure a dismal season. Senior vice president of scouting Paul Gillispie shared the excitement, remarking on the unexpected but welcome outcome.

Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Reds also made a significant leap, obtaining the second pick despite just a 0.9% chance. Nick Krall, the Reds’ president of baseball operations, expressed his joy and emphasized the team’s desire to build on this momentum without relying on lottery picks in the future.

The complete first-round order of the 2024 Draft is set, with teams like the Rockies, Athletics, White Sox, and Royals securing spots in the top six. The lottery results have undoubtedly injected excitement and unpredictability into the MLB draft process, giving teams like the Guardians and Reds a rare opportunity to enhance their rosters significantly.