Author: Anthony Stalter (Page 901 of 1503)

      2009 MLB Preview: #17 San Francisco Giants

      March 23, 2009 /

      Click Here to see Previews of all 30 MLB Teams

      Offseason Movement: The G-Men added a solid piece to their starting rotation in former Cy Young-winner Randy Johnson. The club also signed free agent Edgar Renteria to play shortstop, and added Jeremy Affeldt and Bob Howry in hopes to strengthen their bullpen. Rich Aurilia and Josh Phelps were given minor league contracts, although Phelps was already reassigned to minor league camp.

      Top Prospect: Madison Bumgarner, LHP
      Who would have thought that the farm system that produced Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Brian Wilson and Jonathan Sanchez would have a pitcher as its top prospect? While catcher Buster Posey, corner infielder Angel Villalona and starter Tim Alderson deserve mention here, Bumgarner earns the Giants’ top prospect tag for his “ace” potential. While he isn’t expected to take Lincecum’s No. 1 spot any time soon, Bumgarner could turn out to be a San Fran’s No. 2 in the next couple seasons. He dominated his first full year in the minors after being selected in the first round out of high school, posting a 1.46 ERA in A-ball. He has a fastball that reaches 97 mph and once he develops his secondary pitches, Bumgarner should make his first big league appearance in no time.

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      MLB

      2009 MLB Preview: #18 Milwaukee Brewers

      March 23, 2009 /

      Click Here to see Previews of all 30 MLB Teams

      Offseason Movement: The Brewers signed long-time Padres’ closer Trevor Hoffman in the offseason and also brought on pitchers Jorge Julio and Braden Looper, as well as outfielder Trot Nixon.

      Top Prospect: Mat Gamel, 3B
      Some would say Alcides Escobar is the Brewers’ top prospect, but you can’t go wrong with either. Milwaukee seems to be following a trend of taking prospects based more on their offense than defense, because not unlike Matt LaPorta and Ryan Braun before him, Gamel doesn’t have the best defensive skills. But there is no denying that the kid can hit. Gamel has a nice, pure swing and has shown excellent plate discipline to this point in his career. He has great hand/eye coordination and he loves hitting the gaps. Gamel figures to start the season in Triple-A, but could get a shot to compete if Bill Hall continues to struggle with a calf injury.

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      MLB

      Curt Schilling to retire

      March 23, 2009 /

      Curt Schilling announced his retirement on Monday the only way he knew how – on his blog.

      The 42-year-old right-hander said on his blog he’s leaving after 23 years with “zero regrets.” Schilling missed all of last season with a shoulder injury after signing a one-year, $8 million contract.

      “The things I was allowed to experience, the people I was able to call friends, teammates, mentors, coaches and opponents, the travel, all of it, are far more than anything I ever thought possible in my lifetime,” he wrote.

      Schilling had surgery last June and had said he might come back in the middle of this season. He was not under contract for this season. He made no reference to his injury on his blog, 38pitches.com.
      Schilling won a World Series with Arizona in 2001 and with Boston in 2004 and 2007.

      So, I guess I’ll throw out the obligatory, “does he belong in the Hall of Fame?” question.

      And the answer is definitely “yes.” He finished with a 216-146 overall record, helped his club win three World Series titles and had 3,116 strikeouts, which is the 14th most in baseball history. The guy was a pain in the ass when it came to giving his opinions and raised some eyebrows with his bloody sock moment. But Schilling was one of the better pitchers of his time and deserves Hall of Fame nomination.

      MLB

      Rumor: Lions set on Jason Smith

      March 23, 2009 /

      Rotoworld.com (via KFFL) has a juicy draft rumor about the Lions:

      KFFL posted an item late Sunday saying that the website has “learned” the Lions will take Baylor LT Jason Smith with the No. 1 pick in the draft.

      KFFL is usually very accurate, but it rarely reports anything and there are no sources cited. It’s also still over a month away from the draft, leaving plenty of room for skepticism. That the Lions have begun contract talks with their No. 1 pick to be makes it possible, however, that they’ve settled on Smith. He is probably willing to take a deal only slightly larger than Jake Long’s.

      I’m sure we’ll see a lot of these rumors in the next month. As Rotoworld points out, KFFL.com is solid but this report can be filed in the speculation category.

      NFL, NFL Draft

      Giants inquired about Braylon Edwards

      March 23, 2009 /

      According to an insider at Scout.com, the Giants contacted the Browns about the availability of wideout Braylon Edwards.

      Via Rotoworld.com:

      Braylon EdwardsThe Giants contacted the Browns about Braylon Edwards’ availability “about a month or so ago,” according to the Giant Insider on Scout.com.

      A February internet rumor had Mathias Kiwanuka going to Cleveland for Edwards, but Scout.com says Kiwi was never brought up in talks. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Kiwanuka traded with all the depth New York has on its defensive line, but Cleveland certainly can’t afford to part with Edwards. Take Braylon off the Browns and their No. 1 receiver is Donte’ Stallworth.

      This confirms the old adage of, “when there’s smoke there’s fire.” Most web sports rumors can be dismissed, but this one just made sense. The Giants are in desperate need of a receiver and the Browns don’t seem willing to commit to Edwards long term. Kiwanuka might not have been a part of their talks initially, but he would make sense for Cleveland, who needs an outside linebacker who can rush the passer.

      NFL, Rumors & Gossip

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