Yardbarker: Ryan Braun

Fantasy Baseball 2008 Roundup

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 06:39:55 -0500

It was quite an eventful 2008 season for fantasy baseball managers. From the rise of Cliff Lee and Carlos Quentin to the fall of Erik Bedard and Victor Martinez, there was no shortage of events to talk about. But now that the 2008 season is over, how will looking back help you look forward? Screaming Sports' Phil Yoon explains.

Brewers Fans Satisfied With Unimpressive Playoff Run

Sun, 05 Oct 2008 23:42:17 -0500

The Milwaukee Brewers put the finishing touches on their triumphant season yesterday as they lost again to the Philadelphia Phillies, and exited the playoffs in the first round. Despite having CC Sabathia, the Brewers were unable to mount much opposition to the Phillies as they lost 3 games to 1. "Well, we always knew this team had to talent to be a playoff team," said manager Dave Sveum. "Not World Series caliber talent, mind you, but enough to maybe get in and then lose pathetically in the first round. We said it all season, we are a playoff team, and we proved it with our run there at the end. I think we lived right up to expectations." Many around the country consider this an anti-climactic end to their season that culminated in an exciting race with the Mets for the wild card. But, those in Wisconsin say it was an adequate conclusion. "We knew how long they have been working to put together this team of slightly better than mediocre talent," said longtime fan Ben Williams. "And we know that they aren't going to be able to afford this massive $60 million payroll. We are almost up to 1/4 of the Yankees! This was a one year shot to make sort of impressive run, and we sure did just that. Now, it's time to blow it up and start building it again for the next quarter century. Man, I love baseball."

If you've given up on the 2008 Brewers, do not read this

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 19:37:59 -0500

I've recently been taking a lot of criticism from one of the posters on our message boards. If I've written about it, he's bashed it. The latest hatred that he's spewing is my lack on thoughts and comments on this current week of baseball since my last post talked about the biggest baseball series that I've ever attended. So you want my reaction to Games 1 and 2 of the NLDS, MTJ? Well, here you go.

The 2008 Phillies are already better than the 2007 Phillies!

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 21:14:51 -0500

The Phillies did something today that they were unable to do last season: win a playoff game. After getting swept in 3 straight games by the Colorado Rockies in 2007, the Phillies started off their playoff series with the Brewers in strong fashion, winning Game 1 3-1 and taking a 1-0 series lead. The win was also the Phillies first playoff game win since 1993. Cole Hamels was the story of the game. He absolutely dominated the Brewers, going 8 innings, striking out 9 and allowing only 2 hits. Brad Lidge came into the game in the 9th and had his second straight shaky outing, giving up a run when Ryan Braun doubled in Ray Durham. Lidge is inching closer and closer to blowing his first save of the season, it would be an absolute shame if he melted down in the playoffs after being perfect all season long. The last thing he needs is to have his confidence shaken like it was after Albert Pujols hit that bomb off of Lidge when he was with the Astros. Offensively, the Phillies scored all 3 of their runs in the 3rd inning. Chase Utley doubled in a pair of runs and.... Click for more on the game and more on Game 2..

Welcome to October: 2008 MLB Playoff Preview

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 08:29:58 -0500

The time has come - the battle for the World Series Championship. As we get set for postseason play, FIO writer Tim Hays breaks down the teams providing the excitement this October. Check out the reasons for why these eight elite clubs made it this far, as well as which teams match up best in categories like lineup, rotation and team speed.

MLB Playoffs: Manny v. the Curse; Howard v. Fielder.

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:27:48 -0500

The National League Divisional showdowns are set: Dodgers-Cubs and Phillies-Brewers. Enjoy grades for each pitching staff, the bats and bullpens including what difference-maker is flying under the radar. Picks follow the breakdowns for both series.

Handing Out Some 2008 MLB Awards

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:58:36 -0500

Some less traditional awards such as The Latrell Sprewell Award.

What a Beautiful Thing

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:30:19 -0500

I have professed my undying love for 90's music but let's be honest, not all the music from the decade was stellar. Take for instance the song that was voted the 39th on VH1's list of Most Awesomely Bad Songs...EVER: "Informer", by Snow. You all remember Snow. He was the Canadian native that sang reggae. The song spent seven weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Have a good laugh watching the video.

NL Dogfight a?" September 24th

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 11:46:39 -0500

The race got a little tighter last night after the Brewers and Mets found victory, while the Phillies were never able to get the offense going. Recap of Monday's Action: The Phillies offense finally took the night off, but some credit had to be given to Braves starter, Mike Hampton. Hampton allowed two runs on six hits, over six innings. Cole Hamels allowed three runs (two earned), and eight hits, over seven innings, but his box score doesn't really reflect how he pitched. Hamels struggled through the first four innings, and his third inning throw into left field on an errant pickoff attempt allowed Kelly Johnson to score, giving the Braves a 2-1 lead. The Mets bounced back against the Cubs in a big way. After finding themselves in an early 2-0 hole, the Mets scored two runs in the fifth and another four in the sixth, to beat the Cubs 6-2. Johan Santana was dominant, going eight innings, allowing two runs on seven hits, while striking out 10. Jose Reyes led the offense, going 2 for 4, with 3 RBI's. His bases loaded triple in the sixth inning put the game out of reach for Chicago. The game of the night was probably in Milwaukee, where the Brewers beat the Pirates 7-5. In the eighth inning, down 5-4, Jason Kendall's two-out double, plated J.J. Hardy, knotting the game at five. In the bottom of the ninth, still tied at five, Ryan Braun hit a two-out infield single. This brought Prince Fielder to the plate, who crushed a TJ Beam fastball over the fence in right field, giving the Brewers a 7-5 victory. After yesterday's action, the Phillies lead the NL East by a one-and-a-half games over the Mets, and a two-and-half game lead over the Brewers. Magic Numbers: Phillies - 3 Playoffs, 4 Division Mets - 5 Playoffs, 7 Division Brewers - 7 Playoffs Monday's Preview: Cubs @ Mets – Last night's win lets the Mets breath a little easier. While the pressure is still on, they find themselves ahead of the Brewers, and only a game and a half behind the Phillies (one in the loss column). Looking to build off last night's momentum, the Mets turn to Oliver Perez. Perez (10-7, 4.10), has had his shares of ups and downs this season, but has found his groove as of late. Seven of his last 10 starts have been quality, and although he's only 3-1 over that span, that has more to due with the Mets bullpen, then Perez struggling. Facing Perez will be Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano. The past couple starts have been strange for Zambano (14-6, 3.77). On September 14th, he was masterful against the Astros, pitching his first career no-hitter. He followed that up last Friday, with a total mess against Cardinals. Zambrano was pulled in the second inning after allowing six runs on eight hits. Zambrano has missed some time this month with a tired arm, so he's one to keep an eye on tonight. Braves@ Phillies – While last night's loss hurt the Phillies, it's not the end of the world. They still have a somewhat comfortable lead. The biggest thing is, not letting that loss turn into a tail spin. Brett Myers aims to get the Phillies back on track. Myers has been a different pitcher since his stint in the minor leagues early this summer (3-9, 5.84 before – 7-3, 2.79 after), and is the main reason the Phillies find themselves in playoff position. But like Zambrano, Myers followed up the best pitching performance of his career, with possibly his worst. On September 14th, and on short rest, Myers pitched a two-hit complete game against the Brewers. He followed that up last Friday by getting pounded by the Marlins. In four innings, Myers allowed 9 hits and 10 runs, as the Phillies lost to the Marlins 14-9. This is a big start to Myers to see if he shrugs last Friday's outing off and returns to dominance, or reverts to the Brett Myers of May. Jo-Jo Reyes will start for the Braves (I know I had him starting yesterday, thanks mlb.com), and look to put behind him a disastrous start against the Mets last week, where he allowed five runs in less than four innings. Reyes (3-11, 5.74), was considered to be a top prospect heading into this season, but at a young 23, has yet to figure out major league hitters. His last win came on June 13th. Pirates @ Brewers – The Brewers, needed a big win like last night to try in build momentum for the final five games of the season. Sitting in the worst position out of the three remaining teams, every game is a must-win, and a loss could be devastating. What better pitcher to build momentum then your ace? CC Sabathia will start tonight for the Brewers. Sabathia has been the best pitcher in baseball since coming to Milwaukee in a July trade with Cleveland. His 9 wins and 1.81 ERA are best in the National League over that span. Sabathia needs to use this start against the Brewers to get back on track. As dominant as he's been, he's lost his past two decisions (in his defense, he's only allowed 5 runs in the past 13 innings), and hasn't won a game in the month of September. If there's an ace this season for the Pirates it's tonight's starter, Paul Maholm. Maholm's 9 wins and 3.68 ERA are tops among Pirates starters. Maholm is 2-2 in his career at Miller Park, but hasn't registered a decision there this season. It's not his doing. In his two starts there this season he has posted a 1.93 ERA and averaged seven innings per start.

MLB Buy 'n Sell - Week 26

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 07:15:35 -0500

Screaming Sports' Billy Smith break out MLB Buy 'n Sell and runs down a short list of players you should be buying or selling. Jose Reyes? Believe it or not, it's time to sell. Ryan Braun? Grab him while he's hot!

Tim Lincecum - NL MVP?

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 09:17:54 -0500

It seems strange considering Brandon Webb was pretty much a shoe-in about a month ago for the National League Cy Young Award...but Tim Lincecum has rather quietly put together a great season with a young and very inexperienced San Francisco Giants team behind him. Sure, Lincecum won't reach that "plateau" of 20 wins this season like Brandon Webb already has, but if you compare stats between the 2 players, wins is the only category that Lincecum trails Webb. At 17-3, and an ERA of 2.43, along with a Major League-leading 237 K's, and having done this pitching for a team that's 15 games under .500, makes it all the more impressive to me. If you're thinking...well, he's pitching in a pitcher friendly ballpark in San Francisco. That may be true, but he's 10-1 on the road this season with a 2.13 ERA...so, that argument is "out the window" I'm afraid. Honestly, I'm not a huge fan of giving an MVP Award to a pitcher, but when someone is deserving of it, I have no issues with it. Sure, you can make an argument for Ryan Howard, Ryan Braun, Matt Holliday, David Wright, and Albert Pujols, but I don't think any of those players has done more for their team than Tim Lincecum this season. Sure, he's on a losing team, but shouldn't that make his 17-3 record all the more impressive? If you take his 17 wins away from the Giants, and they're 32 games below .500...putting them in last place in their division and giving them the worst record in baseball. I know Ryan Howard's got 1 MVP on his shelf already, but I'm not real fond of giving someone an MVP that's quickly approaching the 200 strikeout mark. If a hitter has to get the award over Lincecum this season, it should be Albert Pujols or possibly Matt Holliday, and of those 2 guys, I give the edge to Pujols. You can actually make a similar case for Cliff Lee this season in the American League as he's having an even more dominant season than Lincecum, and facing the DH on the game-by-game basis. All-in-all, I just feel like Lincecum is deserving of the Cy Young and MVP awards for the 2008 season, and if nothing else at least deserves consideration for the MVP. I would find it very difficult to justify giving the Cy Young to Brandon Webb just because he has 3 more wins than Lincecum (as of right now anyways). Linecum is slated to make 2 more scheduled starts, and if he really wanted to go for 20 wins could potentially do that by going on 4 days rest on the final game of the season on Sept. 28 vs. the Dodgers. Webb, on the other hand, has 3 scheduled starts remaining, and if he would happen to win 2 of the 3 starts, giving him possibly 22 wins this season, I have a bad feeling the voters will give him the Cy Young based only on wins...which I feel would be a mistake in this case.

It was a good day

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 21:49:08 -0500

The title of this blog is appropriate not only for the song I chose to talk about but also the events that occurred earlier today. First, a look back on a great song and then my thoughts on Ned Yost, Doug Melvin and the coach firing heard around the world.

Ben Sheets is back in form

Sun, 07 Sep 2008 09:01:33 -0500

Ben Sheets showed the world Saturday night that he had no lingering problems with a groin injury that shortened his last start. Sheets went the distance for his fifth complete game of the season and tossed his third shutout of the season in leading the Brewers to a 1-0 win over the Padres. Sheets struck out seven on the night and out-pitched Jake Peavy to pick up his career-high 13th victory. The Padres managed only five hits on the night against Sheets, who now looks to be ready for postseason play.

Top 7 :: Worst Alternatives to Albert Pujols as NL MVP

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 22:28:31 -0500

It seems almost ludicrous to say, but the most underrated player in baseball today may be Albert Pujols. Back when he was getting game-winning hits almost every day in 2006, the national talking points were that David Ortiz was unquestionably the best clutch hitter in baseball. Those who don't know any better criticize his defense when statistics show that he is one of the best at any position in the majors. And when it comes to MVP voting, he consistently gets screwed. This year is no different. The National League Most Valuable Player in 2008 is Albert Pujols. Period. End of discussion.

However, national media continue to bring up "candidates" for MVP, some of whom can't hold a candle to Pujols, especially this year, which could possibly be his finest season. This week's Top 7 looks at the worst alternative choices to Pujols being thrown around right now.

7. Lance Berkman

Pujols' problem is that he is so unbelievably consistent that everyone gets used to it and expects it. Then someone comes along and has their first-ever Pujols-worthy season and it looks like it's one of the greatest seasons ever. That's Lance Berkman this year. He is having a phenomenal season, so much so that the national writers take notice and call it an "MVP type" year. Meanwhile, Pujols has him beaten in almost every single category, with the superior defense, and it gets lost in the shuffle.

6. Ryan Braun

When Braun came up last year, they compared him to Pujols because of how he just burst upon the scene and never stopped dropping bombs. Braun is no Pujols. His OB% is over 100 points lower than Albert's, he has struck out 115 times (Pujols is at 47 and has never struck out more than 93 times in a season), and his defense is less than stellar. His move to the outfield this year makes him a bit less valuable too.

5. David Wright

So here's the part where the New York thing comes in. Some of the things Albert Pujols does would be top-story SportsCenter deals if it were done by someone like Wright (or of course Derek Jeter). Pujols earlier this season scored the game-winning run from second base on a groundout. In another game last month, he stole third base in the 8th inning with two outs and came into score when the throw was bad. It ended up being the winning run as well. His plays aren't only the huge line shots in the gap?he makes amazingly smart baserunning decisions and busts his ass every game. So when media members talk about guys like Wright doing the "little things that don't show up in the box score," Pujols does them as well, only better.

4. Ryan Ludwick

Ludwick is having an outstanding season, but Pujols has still been better. Since the Cards are out of contention now Ludwick will probably not get much consideration at all, but if he had, it would be another Kent-over-Bonds in 2000 deal all over again. The difference being that Ludwick is likable and doesn't have a pencil mustache.

3. Aramis Ramirez

This completely out-of-left-field pick was mentioned by some clowns on the Fox broadcast from over the weekend. Just because the Cubs are in first, they have to have an MVP candidate, I guess. Ramirez has tons of clutch hits this year, true, but the Cubs are so good this season (despite the recent losing streak) that they could take anyone off of the team and still not miss much of a beat.

2. Brandon Webb

A starting pitcher who only plays in 35 games out of 162 should never be considered as the Most Valuable Player. MAYBE if it were that Steve Nebraska guy from The Scout and you never threw anything else besides a three-pitch strikeout. But that movie sucked, and the idea of the MVP being a starting pitcher sucks.

1. Carlos Delgado
He has gotten into the MVP discussion because of a huge second half and several high-profile clutch hits. Don't believe the hype?Pujols has over 200 OPS points on him. If the Cardinals didn't have Pujols, they would have never been close to contention this year and would below .500. But since he does it every year, all is forgotten. Perhaps media members will wise up and give it to him this year, but Albert Pujols has been screwed before, and it could definitely happen again.

The Top 7 is written by Jason Major. He secretly thinks Andruw Jones should be MVP. Email him at jason@joesportsfan.com

Top 10 most popular MLB players on Facebook

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:42:34 -0500

Are you a fan of your favorite MLB player on Facebook? If so, check here to see if your favorite player made the top 10 most popular MLB players on Facebook.