One of Rehman’s areas of expertise, forged in his background as a commodities trader and financial consultant — as well as a four-year starter on the McGill University baseball squad — is on the data analysis side.

BaseballDigest.com: How will your role with the Cubs compare with that in Arizona?
Shiraz Rehman: I’ll probably lean on what I learned in Arizona and move forward from there.  As a full staff, we are still getting to know each other, still figuring out who is doing what.  Right now, it’s all hands on deck.  I would say that my job is to facilitate quick decision making, to put together information for the best possible decision — MLB rules, salary arbitration, contract structuring, they will all come into play.  I’ll be overseeing the tech side, and doing some scouting as well, mostly on the pro side.

BBD: While you were playing in college, did you already see these connections to your finance/accounting studies and baseball?
SR: Probably not.  I think, anyone who grew up in my era was already familiar with analytics.  It’s more that I saw a connection to baseball when I was working in finance, I started to see similar methodologies, analytic approaches, ways to aggregate the data to make decisions.

BBD: What are some of the decisions the team still needs to make before Spring Training, and what will be some of the goals while in Mesa?
SR: I think so far we have done a god job turning short term assets into longer term assets.  We got younger, better defensively, and have put together an MLB coaching staff to create the culture and environment to build around.  We have organizational meetings in a week, and we’ll use the beginning of the spring to get into defining the Cubs Way, something we want to do together and build and come up with as a group.

BBD: Where do the Bloomberg analytic tools come into play, and how long have you used them?
SR: I think I started talking to them [Bloomberg] before they even got involved in the baseball space.  Getting back to what we discussed earlier, I drew a parallel to the baseball world in the first couple of years in the financial world, 1999-2000-2001, in the sense that there is a lot of information to be digested.  A lot of time and effort are spent getting it quickly and at your fingertips easily.  what I think the tools provide best is not so much groundbreaking analysis, bu the ease of getting data.  Proprietary analytics gives us a competitive advantage but the goal in using the tool is to pull different pieces, some public, some proprietary, but all in one place.  Having that information at our fingertips to make quick decisions is the most impactful outcome the tool will have.

BBD: Are there particular tools that are more useful to you?
SR:  The way we are implementing it is a phased approach.  We’re rolling it out to our amateur staff, then the international scouting staff, all the while getting acclimated to each of the segments.  We are using the tool for data entry, feeding info in, as well as on the back end to summarize and dig into what it offers, like statistics, pitch-by-pitch data, game by game, season by season, contracts, service time, video, etc.

Ian Stewart

BBD:  Have you been able to identify some Cubs players who are already here who may have been undervalued and who you see playing a bigger role than anticipated, or maybe than had been previously utilized?
SR: I think it’s unfair to point just to the use of the Bloomberg tool for that.  Our approach is phased; we really need to walk before we run.  We don’t have a lot of legacy technology tools that fit our needs.  As far as players being undervalued, I think it’s more correct to say that certainly there were guys who had down years, who we feel can bounce back.  Chris Volstad, Anthony Rizzo, Ian Stewart, these are guys that all fit the profile one way or another — not specifically from the Bloomberg tool yet, but the type of info that we would use.

One of the more detailed pieces of the state of Dodger ball, and who the off-the-field players are and may be was done by Bloomberg Businessweek reporter Roben Farzad this Thursday. The story outlines the groups and their alliances as they line up to battle over each other to see who will be the next king of Chavez Ravine.

What makes the story even more interesting is the insight of Farzad himself, (an Iranian born baseball fan who came to understand the game through following the Dodgers as a child) and how the Dodgers story is similar to many of the largest high profile business deals the world has seen in recent years.  It has international intrigue (the story talks of mysterious Saudi investors, and money from South Korea), media moguls (Fox and Disney), high profile celebrities (Larry King, Magic Johnso), and the always important silent partners with deep pockets.

Roben Farzad

“It really reminds me of the 1980’s and the battle over RJR Nabisco,” Farzad, a longtime business writer and analyst who had never done a sport story before, said this week. “You have all this feeding frenzy and multi-level alliances being built up, with one group adding more high level people to try and top the other, and at this point you don’t know whether you are bidding against other groups or bidding against yourself. It has created a huge buzz in the Los  Angeles business community and in the entrainment businesses to see who can get the Dodgers.”

The Dodgers sale process, all being looked at by current owner Frank McCourt and his designees, will also continue to alter the course of the sale of franchises and all the pieces that go with them, as Farzad pointed out as well.  “The interesting thing is now much media companies, from Disney and Newscorp to Comcast and Time Warner, are looking at the prices and what is going on for the Dodgers franchise,” he added. “You have $1.5 billion being bandied about and it really raises the question of how much the better-run franchises like the Red Sox or even the Yankees, could bring should they ever go up for sale again. Who knows what that ceiling will be?”

Texeira was honored along with Hall of Famer Yogi Berra, Mets ace R.A. Dickey, Mets infielder Daniel Murphy, Basketball Hall of Famer Chris Mullin and collegiate and NBA star Dikembe Mutombo at the 32nd annual dinner benefiting AHRC, a not-for-profit organization that supports programs enabling children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to lead richer, more productive lives, including programs of AHRC New York City.

Question: At what point does the off-season turn off and you start to get ready for the year?
Mark Teixeira: I do get antsy once February hits, so this is the last day I can relax.

Q: We understand that you work out at Bobby Valentine’s facility in Connecticut.  Has he changed the locks or anything?
MT: He didn’t change the locks, but it’s funny I had been hiting there for two years, I had bought a machine for the facility, so when I am around there I can use the pitching machine.  It’s been throwing great, and everything was fine, I was getting all my work in.  As soon as he gets the Red Sox job, I go in the next morning, the first ball out of the machine — right at my head.  I don’t know if it was a bad ball, I don’t know if the gears jammed, whatever happened we had to get a technician in there to fix it.

Q: Other than that, how has the offseason gone?
MT: It’s been great, you know, just recharging the batteries, and looking forward to a great season.  We basically have the same team back, got a couple of key additions on the pitching staff, which is going to be great, and so we’re excited.

Q: Were you surprised about the trade of Jesus Montero?
MT: Never surprised in baseball, this business, I’ve been traded twice, a lot of great players have been traded, and Montero might be really, really good.  He’s got a chance to be special.  But so does [Michael] Pineda, and I think that’s what we’re banking on. We’re banking on Pineda being a top tier starter and someone that can really be a force for a long time.

BBD: You only faced him in, I believe, three at bats, and you have a home run and, I think, a strikeout. From that small sample size, what do u remember
MT: Explosive fastball.  Really good slider.  He’s so big — any pitcher that is that big, that can throw that hard, his margin of error is going to be a lot bigger than everyone else’s.  He can not have his best stuff, but when you’re 6-7 and thrown 97, you’re going to get outs.

BBD: Curtis Granderson has said that Pineda didn’t seem intimidated by the Yankees lineup.  Do you see that in him?
MT: Yes, it’s mound presence and you see it with the best pitchers in baseball.  They have that presence on the mound. And as a young guy, to be able to go out there and have no fear and go after everybody — I think I hit a 3-1 fastball or 3-2 fastball.  I get a lot of sliders or changeups on 3-2.  He went right after me. I got lucky on that pitch, but it just shows his confidence that he’s going to go after people.

BBD: You tweeted that you lost 14 pounds in the offseason.  Why did you feel like you needed to?
MT: I didn’t feel like I needed to, but I’m always trying to get better.  I know that the older I get, the more important nutrition is, and any chance I get to make myself lighter, faster, more energy, its going to be better for my game.  It just kind of happened.  I started changing my diet a little bit, started drinking a lot of raw juice and it really helped.

BBD: C.C. Sabathia talked about eliminating Cap’n Crunch last year; did you do anything like that?
MT: I can’t say I eat a lot of Cap’n Crunch.  I’ve really eaten pretty well the last few years, but this year I think really fine-tuning. I’m always trying to find that little edge to help myself physically, mentally, energy-wise, and I think those little things can help me over a long season and hopefully a long career.

BBD: There has been talk of the Yankees picking up another bat in a trade with some of their surplus pitching.  What do you think of the Yankees lineup as it stands now?
MT: We basically have the lineup we had last year.  Rotating a DH wouldn’t be bad, but if you can pick up a guy who can come in and give some pop off the bench or be a DH every now and then, we’re  not going to say no to that because we can use all the help we can get.

BBD: One of the areas you said you would like to improve is getting on base. Do you and hitting coach Kevin Long have a plan in place for that?
MT: I do. One thing I really noticed is that my average with no men on base was really, really good, and with men on base it wasn’t.  When no one is on base, and they’re playing a big shift, I might lay down some bunts this year.  I’ve been so against it my entire career, but I may lay down a few bunts.  If I can beat the shift that way, that’s important.  And also, not trying to hook the ball so much left handed. So when you have a 1-2 pitch, instead of trying to drive the ball in the gap and drive in the runs, you know take that single to left.  It’s [harder] than it sounds, but one hit a week really adds up.

Thurman Munson plaque at Monument Park at old Yankee Stadium. Photo credit: The Guy With The Glasses

BBD: What does Thurman Munson and the Munson Award mean to you?
MT: A Yankee legend.  Someone who did the right things on and off the field, someone whose legacy has continued to grow, because of the great things he’s done in the community, with the foundation, his family and his wife Diana have done so many great things in the community, so the Munson name is very special to the Yankees.

BBD: How did you get started working with Harlem RBI?
MT: Harlem RBI is an organization I started working with two years ago.  I knew the great work they were doing with kids in Harlem, with education.  Education has always been very important to me, and so to be able to work with those kids, you know it serves over 1000 kids, was just a natural fit for me.

He went on record with Baseball Digest to discuss the upcoming season and reflect on his development in 2011.

1. What was the biggest adjustment from High-A To Double-A?

This biggest adjustment for one was being away from my family. I was spoiled playing in San Jose with my family catching 20 of my 27 starts.  But on the baseball end of things it was the patience of the hitters and establishing the inner half of the plate. Each pitch has a purpose in setting up hitters later in counts and the 2nd and 3rd times through the lineup. Taking something off your fastball, pitching inside, purpose pitches, and not being scared to trust your stuff and know its good enough to get that guy out.

2. You spent a full season with Richmond. What did you feel you’d improved the most at the end of it?

I really struggled with my command early in the season. I was walking a lot of guys and I wasn’t burying hitters like I wanted to. I was able to make a few adjustments in my mechanics stretch and windup which allowed me to throw a lot more quality strikes with my fastball. I also made an adjustment to my slider grip which allowed more of a biting action. Being able to throw my 4 pitches for strikes late in the season was my biggest improvement.

3. You pitched a ton of innings in 2010 & 2011. Were there any changes in your throwing program over those two years?

Switching from reliever to starter was supposed to be a huge adjustment. At first it was. But, because the Giants let me know as soon as the 2009 season was over that I would be making the switch it gave me the opportunity to get into the groove of what its like to prepare as a starter in the off-season. First, it was my training schedule. The Giants sent me to Fischer Sports Physical Therapy and Conditioning in Phoenix, AZ where I get top notch training and conditioning opportunities as well as treatment opportunities to keep my arm fresh. As far as throwing I started my bullpens slightly earlier and added long toss twice a week out to 200 feet.

4. Break down your pitches. What is your out pitch, what pitch improved the most in 2011, and how was your command last season?

I throw a 4 seam fastball, 2 seam (sinker) fastball, Slider, Spike Curveball, and a circle changeup. To right handed hitters if I am in need of a strikeout I tend to go towards my slider and to a lefty I more often throw the Spike CB. But, it all depends on situations and hitters with what pitch I will go with. A lot of it also has to do with how certain pitches feel that particular start. Like I said in question 2 my command improved a lot throughout the season. Small tweaks and feel for mechanics made the difference.

5. You’ve been given an invitation as a non-roster invitee to spring training camp. What are your goals going into camp?

My goals going into camp are to be in the best shape possible, work as hard as I can once I get there, listen and learn from veterans to get a feel for what it takes to be in the big leagues, and leave a lasting impression amongst the staff with my work ethic and performance.

6. Have the Giants told you what they expect of you? Is there something you told you at the end of the season that stuck with you?

There hasn’t been anything in specific but continue to stay in shape and be ready for every chance that they give me. They have been awesome at giving me the opportunity to showcase the type of pitcher I have become and a lot of credit goes to the people they surround us with year in and year out. As of now its be the best starter you can be and perform when called upon. Hopefully in Fresno this year if not wherever they do send me.

7. Finally, would you be disappointed if you had to start the season with Richmond and not with Fresno?

I won’t lie it would be a slight disappointment but it would not get me down. I can still prove I am a worthy pitcher in the Eastern League.  I still have a job and I am still playing the game I love. I am going to work hard regardless because I have one goal in mind just like each and every player that puts a uniform on and that’s to perform at the highest level possible.

You can follow Justin @jfitzgerald31

The unveiling of the MLB.com Top 100 prospects has become an annual ceremonial event. At least for those wrapped up in that sort of thing. For baseball people, fans, players and scribes alike, there is much excitement and conversation leading up to the day.

We probably can’t appreciate the amount of work that goes into such an effort by Jonathan Mayo and yet there’s always intense criticism. He’s gone on record with ‘High Heels On Field’ (a blog by yours truly), as well as written about the process to help readers better understand what it entails, but there’s still bound to be a backlash.

This year’s list wasn’t full of surprises, particularly in the top ten. Bryce Harper came in the second spot, with LHP Matt Moore ranking first overall. Moore was a revelation for many in 2011 when he made his major league debut with the Tampa Rays. His development has seen an improvement in a number of key areas and he projects as a front of the rotation starter. For a system full of exciting talent, Moore is the shining star of the highly anticipated crop coming up now.

Two Royals outfielders, Wil Myers and Bubba Starling, ranked 17th and 19th, respectively. Myers had a particularly challenging 2011 season, but with a recent spring training invite from the big club he’s got an early chance to make an impression in 2012. Royals have a ton of depth in the outfield and Myers is an integral part of the picture.
Also released this week was Project Prospect’s Top 100, an independent site infamous for their sharp and informative prospect reports. The site, founded by Adam Foster, has become  popular among prospect diehards. The list usually goes a bit against convention and often varies from other top prospect lists. For PP, Moore ranks third, and Angels Mike Trout, #1 on MLB.com in 2011, takes the top slot.

For an alternative view on prospects, Project Prospect continues to rise above the various prospect lists that seem to multiply every year.

Don’t worry…the answer is no. Not ever.

Brewers Logan Schafer, Caleb Gindi Might See Big League Time

While Ryan Braun’s 50 game suspension would create a number of questions for the Milwaukee Brewers, there could be an opportunity for outfield prospects Logan Schafer and/or Caleb Gindi.

Schafer’s health is a bit of a question (wrist injury), but the reports have been positive. He or Gindi could very well be getting some work off the bench, though the Brewers have a number of options. Despite what might be a limited amount of time to show their stuff, it’s an experience worth having. They also earned it in the minors in 2011. And, for Shafer, even earned it in a couple of plate appearances during the Brewers playoff run.

Schafer hit well splitting time between two levels,  .Double-A where he hit .302 and  Triple-A hitting .331.

Gindi hit .307 at Triple-A for the season, playing in 126 games.

The Buehrles, animal lovers and supporters of Best Friends Animal Society, started the petition on Change.org after learning that they would be unable to move to the Miami Marlins’ hometown due to breed-specific animal restrictions in the county. Instead, the Buehrle family, along with their pet pit bull Slater, moved to neighboring Broward County.

“Every day that I look at my sweet-natured, certified Canine Good Citizen pit bull, I can’t imagine having to give him up, or even worse, having Slater taken from me based solely on the way he looks,” said Jamie Buehrle, who launched the campaign on Change.org. “Let’s start making owners responsible for their pets regardless of their breed and celebrating all breeds including pit bulls. I am so happy with the response to my petition on Change.org and the thousands of people helping to change the breed discrimination law in Miami-Dade.”

Mark and Jamie Buehrle

News of the online petition campaign’s success is drawing national attention to HB 997 and SB 1322, which would repeal the only county-wide breed specific legislation in Florida. The Buehrles are encouraging baseball fans and dog lovers sign their petition campaign on Change.org, the world’s fastest growing platform for social change.

“Within the first week, thousands of people have already joined the Buehrles’ campaign,” said Change.org Director of Organizing Stephanie Feldstein. “The Buehrle family was affected by Miami-Dade County’s pit bull ban, and even though they were able to keep Slater safe, they decided to start a petition to help other families and their pets stay together. That’s what Change.org is all about – empowering anyone, anywhere to demand action on the issues that matter to them.”

But Cody Decker brushes that off. He does so with a mix of cool confidence, extreme focus, and a whole lot of humor.

“Pitchers aren’t necessarily better, just more polished.  They know what they are trying to do and they are very good at executing it.  But honestly baseball is baseball, no matter where you play it.  But as my teammate Crash told me:  I’m just happy to be here, hope I can help the ballclub.”

You’re getting to know him quickly. And there’s no overstating his energy and attitude can make a difference in a sport that requires daily maximum drive.

Decker, 25, suffered a sprained ankle in May, his first career injury, which caused him to miss three months.

“The injury was unfortunately pretty rough, and I don’t think I fully recovered for the remainder of the season. I was however extremely happy to get back on the field and somewhat salvage the season I missed the majority of,” he said.  “My team had a great playoff run, winning the Texas League, and I’m happy that I was able to play a major role.”

He played in 49 games for the Double-A San Antonio Missions knocking in 38 runs, with 14 home runs. In 2010 he played for the Advanced-A Lake Elsinore Storm, where he put up career numbers. He finished the season with 90 RBI, 28 home runs, and worked 60 walks.

The Padres system has vastly improved this off-season through a number of significant trades. It is easy to get left behind when new talent is developing every year, all the time. Decker has the benefit of versatility. He embraces the challenge of a possible position change, something the Padres should be pleased to hear.

“I happy to play any position anyone asks.  In college I was listed as a C/1B/LF/DH/OF.  And I still find it cruel that 3B didn’t make it onto my 11 cent college baseball card.  I played 3B in winter ball, for all 3 hours I played there, and have no problem moving around.  As for DH-ing, I have no problem with that either.”

Defensively the first baseman is confident, though he is well aware of the criticism in that area.

“I have never received very much credit for my defensive ability.  And I highly doubt anyone will be tooting that horn anytime soon.  I completely disagree with those nay-sayers, but there is always room for improvement,” he said, then adds, “At the plate, a few less strike outs would be nice.”

He credits hitting coach’s Bob Skube and Tom Tornincasa (named the Padres Minor League Coach of the Year for 2011) for helping him the most in his development.

“A couple of great, not just hitting coach’s, but all around baseball coach’s.”

Like many minor league players trying to make it to the majors, Decker is part of the Twitter presence of prospects. His content is never boring, rarely small talk. He’s a straight shooter. And with trademark humor he explains his Twitter game. And his (apparent) reaction to his ranking on the Baseball Digest Twitter Twenty.

“I rarely take things too seriously, and my amazing Twitter account is no different.  I have fun with it.  Usually telling jokes and making fun of things.  Getting a chance to interact with fans is fun, somewhat get my name out there and let them know that I’m not Jaff Decker.  My blog is more or less the same.  Just an insight of what Minor League baseball is like.  Much like everything else, I have fun with it.  As for the top 20, it is a suspect list at best listing me at 12….. The writer of this list should be ashamed and I hope they miss several hours of sleep over this…..  I mean, come on, 12?!”

It’s up to you discern what part of that he’s serious about.

What he is serious about is the joy of baseball. And hitting, hitting, hitting.

“I’m like a 7 year old, hitting is my favorite thing to do, and as long as I’m doing that, you’ll never hear a complaint from me.”

After finishing the 1984 season second only to the Chicago Cubs in the NL East, the Mets front office felt that a veteran catcher who could hit as well as he performed behind the plate was in order. That’s where Carter stepped in. Frank Cashen, the general manager of the Mets at the time, was convinced that Carter would be the missing piece for a franchise anxious to return to the glory days of the late nineteen-sixties and early seventies. In Cashen’s mind, acquiring an All-Star catcher with a million-dollar smile would be the solution that would knock some of the rust off his team caused by a near-decade of irrelevance.

In Carter’s first game as a Met, on April 9, 1985, he hit a tenth inning walk-off home run on Opening Day against, none other than, Neil Allen. Maybe Cashen and the Mets were on to something, I thought. Frankly, as a young Mets fan, I probably didn’t even realize the ramifications of what Carter had just accomplished. At nine, the only thing I’d check the newspaper for was the box score not what had actually gone on during the game. Understanding the dramatics of baseball had not quite sunken in for me yet. Really, I passed out during Game 6 of the 1986 World Series. Don’t worry I was lucky enough to wake up in time to see the ball go through Bill Buckner’s legs.

Oh, those were the days when Carter’s bushy red-orange locks would be bouncing up-and-down as he rumbled into second base standing up, clapping his hands after smacking an RBI double. “Great days, indeed,” if you don’t mind me stealing a line from John Lennon. And I was just a bright-eyed little kid back then in Queens, NY, who was proud to call the Mets, his team to beat. I thought these guys would live forever. Carter as well as other players during that amazing World Series run of 1986 will always be immortalized in the minds of Mets fans. There’s no denying that. Carter was definitely an integral part if not the catalyst for the team’s success that year. However, believing that now pains me to read of the unfortunate turn that Carter’s health has taken of late. Being such a well-liked player in his day, then as a coach, it does not seem fair.

I’ve been reading Kimmy Carter’s blog, Gary’s daughter. The situation has gone from bad to worse. I’m hoping for the best for him. But however her father comes out of this, as Mets fans, we will always remember those fond memories of the mid-eighties. How her father’s enthusiasm and passion not only led his team into baseball’s record books but ignited a city in the process. There has been a lot of debate among Mets fans on whether the Mets organization should retire Carter’s uniform number eight. If they do decide to go for it, they’d better get cracking. I believe they should. It’s the least they could do to appease what has become a very disgusted fan base. I think it may bring Mets fans together in a positive light.

Here’s to you Gary, the Expos’ greatest Met. Wish you well and hope you get better soon.

AC – Mets Public Record

The Winter Issue and Convention Guide is available for FREE download here:

http://gothambaseball.com/GB006_WINTER2011.pdf

Gotham Baseball covers the past, present and future of New York baseball, and in this latest issue, which features a pair of aces; New York Yankees left-hander CC Sabathia and New York Mets southpaw Johan Santana. Gary Armida profiles Sabathia’s return in “The Big Man is Back”, while Healey opines that for the Mets, “The Ace is The Whole”.

Also in the issue:

The Catcher Says Bye – Yankees catcher Jorge Posada is retiring. Armida takes a look at his great career.

The Magic is Back? – Joseph M. Lara tries to make some sense of the current Mets by looking at the past Mets.

Reading By The Hot Stove – Jerry Milani reviews some of his top choices for offseason reading.

The issue also includes a comprehensive guide to the three-day event, which will once again feature some of the world’s top baseball instructors in a range of settings, including new Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine, New York Yankees hitting coach Kevin Long, pitching guru Rick Peterson and softball star Jennie Finch.

Baseball Digest’s online editor Mark Healey, who is the founder of Gotham Baseball, will also be in attendance, manning BD affiliate Gotham Baseball’s booth with GB Co-Publisher Joseph M. Lara.

The Winter Issue and Convention Guide is available for FREE download here:

http://gothambaseball.com/GB006_WINTER2011.pdf

For more info visit the official site for the event or call 860.674.1500

New York Yankees at Boston, not suprisingly, accounts for two of those, on April 22 and July 8, from Fenway Park.  The Yankees have one other Sunday Night appearance, April 15 vs. the Angels.  The two-time defending American League Champion Texas Rangers host Chicago in the April 8 SNB opener.

The World Series Champion Cardinals also have three appearances (May 20 and July 15, in addition to Opening Night April 4).

ESPN’s first seven Sunday Night games will feature at least one playoff team and several of MLB’s biggest stars will be on display, including the Angels’ Pujols; the Yankees’ Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Robinson Cano; Boston’s Adrian Gonzalez, Dustin Pedroia and Jacoby Ellsbury; Texas’ Josh Hamilton; Tampa Bay’s Evan Longoria; Philadelphia’s Ryan Howard and Chase Utley; St. Louis’ Matt Holliday and Lance Berkman; Dodgers slugger Matt Kemp; Atlanta’s Chipper Jones and Brian McCann; Chicago’s Paul Konerko; and Washington’s Ryan Zimmerman.

This season will also mark the debut of analyst Terry Francona, who joins play-by-play commentator Dan Shulman and analyst Orel Hershiser in the Sunday Night Baseball booth. Sunday Night games are also available via ESPN Radio, ESPN Deportes, ESPN3 and ESPN Mobile TV.

ESPN Radio’s Sunday Night Baseball broadcast team will again be play-by-play commentator Jon Sciambi and analyst Chris Singleton.  ESPN Radio, entering its 15th season of MLB coverage, will also broadcast a game of the week each Saturday during the regular season, the State Farm Home Run Derby and All-Star Game, and every Division Series, League Championship Series and World Series game.

The Sunday Night Baseball schedule as selected to date follows (all telecasts begin at 8 p.m. ET).  Game selections for the remainder of the season will be made three weeks (June and July 1, 22 and 29) or two weeks (August and September) in advance.

ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball Schedule
Date     Teams (all telecasts at 8 p.m. ET)
April 8     Chicago White Sox at Texas
April 15     L.A. Angels at N.Y. Yankees
April 22     Yankees at Boston
April 29     Tampa Bay at Texas
May 6     Philadelphia at Washington
May 13     Angels at Texas
May 20     St. Louis at L.A. Dodgers
May 27     Washington at Atlanta
June 3-July 1     TBD
July 8     Yankees at Boston
July 15     St. Louis at Cincinnati
July 22-Sept 23     TBD

The Cincinnati Reds joined the National League in 1890. Steve waited until July 2010 when he joined up with “Blog Red Machine”.

“ I started my own blog called, The Sports Commentator on which I no longer post, where I ‘covered’ all sports, Engbloom said. “I wanted a vehicle to voice my opinion”.

Engbloom join up with John Heitz, Brian K. Hines and Tyler Grote to run the blog, whose name is a tribute to those great teams of the 70s with the credit going to FanSided.

Blog Red Machine features Hines’ weekly feature on Tuesdays where he dives into the past of the club.

“John and Tyler are both big on stats, Engloom said. “John even devised his own stat, called QRO (quality relief outing)”.

As explained on the site, a pitchers QRO is “the number of appearances where more outs are recorded than hits and walks and no earned runs are scored.”

Perhaps, the late Sparky Anderson might have enjoyed reading that feature with the likes of Rawly Eastwick, Will McEnaney, Pedro Borbon and Clay Carroll coming out of that Reds bullpen in those days.

Steve’s personal favorite postings include a rant on how the Reds have used Aroldis Chapman, entitled “Misuse Of A Missile”.

“If you would have asked me a year ago, my favorite posting would have been from Thanksgiving 2010, in which I gave personal thanks for the 2010 season.” said Engbloom, a Michigan native, whose early baseball memories are when his family made trips to Tiger Stadium.

“I had the pleasure of seeing my first game, with the Orioles in town, Boog Powell looked big even from the nosebleeds!”

As for his favorite Reds moment, it was while he was in attendance of the 1990 NLCS when the Reds defeated the Pirates to advance to the World Series.

“There is still one word that stands out from that game, ‘Quinones’”. Engloom said “My brother and I each asked that name to each other when Sweet Lou (Piniella) used Luis Quinones to pinch-hit for Paul O’Neill in the bottom of the seventh”.

Sure enough, it was (lefthander) Zane Smith on the mound, but to use Quinones?
All Luis did of course was drive in (what would be) the winning run”

As for the new season, Steve has tinkered with the idea of having one writer on the blog lean soley on prospects, but they are still as group unable to find that person.

“I feel that addition would bring Blog Red Machine to a different level”.

“We are excited to partner with Bloomberg Sports and benefit from their world-renowned expertise in Analytics and Information Management” said President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein.  “The management and analysis of data, whether it be scouting reports, statistics, medical information or video, is a critical component of our operation.  We look forward to developing a customized program that utilizes the most advanced and efficient technology available in the marketplace today to facilitate quicker, easier and more accurate access to all the sources of information we use to make baseball decisions.”

“Over the past few years we have helped set a new standard of excellence and efficiency in advanced analytics, whether it has been for MLB teams with our comprehensive, integrated systems, players with our tablet product or fans with our fantasy tools, and this partnership is the next step in that evolution,” said Bill Squadron, head of Bloomberg Sports. “Bloomberg as a company has always been about innovation, and we are very excited to partner with Theo and the Cubs organization.”

Named as One of the Ten Most Innovative Companies in Sports in 2011 by Fast Company Magazine, Bloomberg Sports has quickly become one of the industry leaders in providing cutting edge analytic products for fans, MLB teams and professional players. Their fantasy baseball product, “MLB Front Office,” is the fastest growing and most in-depth tool for both the casual and the die-hard baseball fan.  The professional analytic tools are now being used by 21 Major League clubs for player evaluation, and their tablet products are being used by over 200 MLB players to evaluate performance almost in real time.

The first baseman has begun again in a new organization after being traded by the Red Sox to the Padres, when Hoyer and Epstein were still the Red Sox Assistant GM and GM. Rizzo’s time with the Padres was short-lived, but the Padres are doing plenty right in stocking up on young talent this off-season.

They are intertwined with the Padres and Red Sox in a chip-trading bonanza that has changed each organization in significant ways.

Padres
91 losses – that’s how the Padres ended their 2011 regular season. But they ended the year and began 2012 winning in off-season acquisitions & loading up on top young talent.  That doesn’t mean instant success, but does give them a big jump in the reconstruction of the club.

The Padres parted with RHP Mat Latos, giving the Reds the righty starter they needed, and the Padres acquired two prospects in a four-player package, infielder/outfielder Yonder Alonso and catcher Yasmani Grandal, ranked 3^rd and 4^th in the Reds system by Baseball America.

If projections are correct, Alonso, already an advanced hitter, despite some struggles developing more power should be in the Padres lineup in the next two to three years. He spent 2011 with Triple-A  Louisville hitting .296 with 56 RBI. The Reds called him up in July after he’d made his MLB debut in 2011, getting a September call. The Reds desire to get him to the big leagues and not be blocked by first baseman Joey Votto led to converting him to left field, but that wasn’t a great success. Alonso’s value is in his bat, but the Padres could turn to him to take over first base heading into the future.

Grandal a 23-year old catcher with high upside spent 2011 at three levels, finishing the season with Triple-A Louisville hitting .305 overall.  Grandal dealt with injuries in 2011, including a concussion, both during the regular season and in Arizona Fall League, where he was shut down with an injury to his left middle finger. He’s a shoo-in to start the season at Triple-A and needs to put together consistent solid results.

With Austin Hedges also in the system, the Padres best catching prospect, this gives San Diego a couple of excellent options behind the dish. At nineteen Hedges needs a lot more developing and Grandal provides the club with a more seasoned young catcher to bring up if needed. Cory Spangenberg is ahead of him, but having this much catching in the system is a nice problem to have.

Cubs
While the Padres made various flashy moves, the acquisition of first baseman Anthony Rizzo singular power can’t be overstated.

Rizzo blazed his way through Triple-A pitching in 2011, hitting .331 in 356 at bats and collecting 101 RBI along the way.

The Padres AGAIN acquired a top prospect, with the Cubs giving up a lot AGAIN in singular form – pitching prospect Andrew Cashner couldn’t have been easy to deal. Cashner had shoulder issues last season, but he’s not on the high risk side.  The twenty-five year old has a 4.29 ERA in 60 appearances. If he goes to the bullpen, he adds a bit more depth to an area in need of improvement. Along with Cashner they also traded minor league outfielder Kyung-Min Na.

Rizzo could be a difference maker for a team that seems determined to build a farm system that will produce major league success.

Red Sox
The Red Sox have taken their hits. Looking at what they’ve lost over the past two seasons – Rizzo, as well as pitcher Casey Kelly to (a pattern here) the Padres – you could say that hurt them deeply in the future talent department. But that’s not the case.  In 2010, when the Red Sox gave up Kelly and Rizzo, as well as Reymond Fuentes and Eric Patterson, they got first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, one of the best in the game. They also signed Carl Crawford. Those two moves upgraded their lineup. At the end of 2011, when they fell to pieces in historical fashion, they looked like hard-luck losers in a game of failure.

But they have some excellent talent in the pipeline.  Pitching wise, Anthony Ranaudo is their top righty in the wings. He passed a big part of the test in his professional debut in 2011, pitching 127 innings between two levels (Low and High A), completing the season with a 3.97 ERA and 117 strikeouts. He needs a full season at High-A Salem, or possibly split-time between there and Double-A. But he’s going in the direction the Red Sox need.

Third baseman Will Middlebrooks is the Sox best prospect and proved himself between High-A, Double-A and Triple-A in 2011. The Red Sox will surely start him in Triple-A Pawtucket, where he can get more at-bats, with the majority of them coming at Portland, with 356. In terms of major league readiness he’s close.

Their current rotation- a work in progress- has the ability to succeed with the benefit of good health, a bounce-back performance from Jon Lester, as well as a successful transition of Daniel Bard to starter, to right the ship. Their lineup is a force.

The three teams have made each other interesting now and a few years down the line, when all this acquiring and sacrificing will show who really won the trading game.

Five Questions With Yankees Brad Meyers
The Yankees picked up pitcher Brad Meyers in the Rule 5 Draft, nabbing him from the Nationals. In four years with Washington, the 26-year old pitched at every level, ending 2011 with Triple-A Syracuse going 6-5 in 92 innings, and a 3.48 ERA. The righty agreed to the ‘To The Farm’ five…

Jessica Quiroli: You pitched a lot at the Double-A level the last couple of years, but saw some time in Triple-A last season. What was the biggest difference in facing Double-A and Triple-A hitters?

Brad Meyers:  The biggest difference is that triple A hitters make adjustments pitch to pitch rather than at bat to at bat.  They recognize pitching patterns a lot quicker and will exploit them.  Triple A hitters play more off the weaknesses of a pitcher as opposed to double A hitters who will wait a couple of at bats to get the pitch they are looking for.  Also, triple A was the first time that I had to throw balls intentionally instead of strikes.  I never thought I could throw too many strikes, but there is definitely a balance between walking people and giving up more hits.

 Quiroli:  Is there a pitch you still struggle with that you are continuously trying to improve?

Meyers:  My slider can be inconsistent at times.  I would like to add some depth to it without dropping off too much velocity.

Quiroli:  What did you improve most in 2011?

Meyers: Last year was the biggest jump for me from double A to triple A.  I learned a lot about the type of pitcher that I am, what hitters are trying to do against you in certain counts/situations, and really did a better job at controlling the running game.

Quiroli: Switching gears. Do you have a horse in the football playoffs?

Meyers: I’m not a big football guy, but I do enjoy Sunday fun-day every couple weeks.  I got into a playoff pool and…

Quiroli: A team you’re rooting for to be in the Super Bowl?

Meyers: I have the Saints beating the Pats in the super bowl.  Tough to go against Rodgers, but I’ve liked what I’ve seen from the Saints offense all year.

Due to overwhelming response, here is an extended list, 11-20 top MILB players to follow.

A few things. A lot of these guys were considered for the top ten. The selection process is difficult because, whether you know it or not, there are numerous minor league players using Twitter. That led to adding an Honorable Ten list.

Reminder about how this was decided: frequency, interaction, humor, overall just compelling feed. Interacting with their fans/followers was big in deciding. Tweet frequency counted a lot as well. Humor matters. Every single guy that made these lists had a way with a joke or making fun of themselves. When their personalities shine through, the flow of the content is fun and interesting to read. For guys trying to make it to the big leagues, they experience a lot of transition and adversity. Every player named in the Twitter Ten and Next Ten shares a fascinating look into the unique life of baseball.

Starting with #11, a player whose use of Twitter gives him an important connection to fans. After being so protected by his team, that connection has been meaningful.

11. Bryce Harper @BHarper3407 – Washington Nationals
12. Cody Decker @Decker6 – San Diego Padres
13. Tyson Gillies @TysonGillies21 – Philadephia Phillies
14. Thomas Neal @TdaddyNeal – Cleveland Indians
15. Will Middlebrooks @16WMBrooks- Boston Red Sox
16. Mike Trout @Trouty20 – Anaheim Angels
17. LV Ware @LV_Ware – Atlanta Braves
18. Deck McGuire @deckmcguire – Toronto Blue Jays
19. Ryan Tatusko @RyanTatusko – Nationals
20. Michael Crouse @_crouse_ – Blue Jays

Honorable Ten Mentions:

1.Bryan Harper @BHarp45 – Nationals
2. Chris Swauger @cswag8 – St. Louis Cardinals
3. Matt den Dekker @UpperDekker – New York Mets
4. Bryan Longpre @BryanLongpre- Blue Jays
5. Jack Murphy @JackMurphy219 – Blue Jays
6. Justin Fitgerald @jfitgerald31 – Giants
7. Trent Mummey @trentmummey7 – Baltimore Orioles
8. C.J. Cron @CCron24 – Angels
9. Jordan Comadena @Funky2414 – Houston Astros
10. Kellin Deglan @keldegs – Texas Rangers

RHP’s Brad Peacock and A.J. Cole, catcher Derek Norris, and LHP Tom Milone – all top ten ranked in the Nationals system – were traded to Oakland in exchange for starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez.

Most of the focus has been on the considerable loss of Milone and Peacock. Cole has the least amount of minor league service time, and is still extremely young and unproven at 19. But he was a top five prospect in the Nationals system, spending 2011 in Class-A Hagerstown, and finishing with a 4.04 ERA. His journey has just begun and with Oakland, but the fallout can still be felt in Washington. Nationals fans have a heck of a lot to look forward to, with Bryce Harper on the horizon and Stephen Strasburg still waiting to achieve his full potential.

The Nationals get points for fearlessly pursuing the future, by trading guys thought to be a certain part of that future.

Note: The Nationals also received righty pitching prospect Robert Gilliam.

Five Questions With…

Phillies Brian Gump

Brian Gump spent 2011 with the Clearwater Threshers, his second stint with the Phillies Class-A affiliate. The outfielder finished the season hitting .286 in a career high 86 games.

He’s in the spotlight in the first installment of ‘Five Questions With…’

1. This will be your **third year at the pro level. What is your focus, what would you like to improve going into spring training?

I’m always trying to improve on my game across the board, inch by inch. This off season though, I was really focused on gaining strength as opposed to just being in really good shape. On top of that, getting more consistent with a few things in the hitting department that Mizerock and Hendu worked with me on last year. Mainly, finishing lower to stay through the ball/zone longer (which I would go in and out of and saw great results when I was consistent with it which is very promising) and working on shifting my approach to less of an opposite field approach first and more of a go ahead and be aggressive and pull the ball first mindset.

2. You had a strong 2011 at Clearwater. Did you make any adjustments or changes in your approach?

Although not being an everyday player is presents its own set of challenges and difficulties, in my mind that’s a generous assessment of my 2011 season if you’re looking strictly at batting statistics. With that being said, last season I feel like I matured the most as a ball player and as a man than I have in a while. **It was my first real full season because my initial full season I missed a chunk when I broke my arm. I learned a lot both physically and even more so mentally about the day in and day out approach you need to bring to the field and the importance of controlling your thoughts in game and off the field. Your mind can be your best weapon or your worst enemy, especially for a 4th outfielder type like I was last year where your last at bat can simmer in your head for a few days before you get another one. I did a good job at times and other times I admittedly did not do a good job of filtering my thoughts and using it for my benefit. Baseball is a game of failure so controlling your thoughts and attitude in the face of failure is paramount to a professional baseball players success.

Physically, I worked on pulling the ball a bit more (and still am) and felt I was much better about identifying and laying off changeups and other off speed pitches. I was also able to start to pick up on what the battery was trying to do each game to our offense as a whole and to myself personally.

3. Best advice you’ve gotten from someone within the Phillies organization?

That’s a tough one to isolate. As players in the Phillies system, we are pretty damn lucky to have so many high quality instructors around us on a daily basis helping us develop as ball players and men. I’ve received countless bits of wisdom and advice across the board so its tough to really pick one out. I guess the first thing that flashed in my head when I read the question though was from [Chase] Utley. Its strange how sometimes the smallest things resonate in your head. He told us in my first spring when he was talking to the hitters, “you hit a great off speed pitch by hitting the fastball that’s thrown before it”. There is nothing more true in baseball than that.

4. A little fun. What is your favorite baseball movie character and why?

Ah man, its got to be between Crash Davis and Nuke LaLoosh. I love Bull Durham. Both of those characters are classic.

5. And, finally, what’s your favorite winter sport? A team you root for?

Football and then Basketball. I grew up a 49ers fan so this has been a really exciting season for me to see them finally getting back to being an elite team. Basketball wise, again, born and raised a Lakers fan. This year is going to be an interesting one for them after the CP3 fiasco. I’m really bummed to see Odom go like he did, but my man Kobe always has some tricks up his sleeves, and by sleeves I mean legs, even if those legs ARE starting to get older.

METS GCL TEAM FOLDS

The 23-year old Gulf Coast Mets have closed their clubhouse doors after the big club decided to not continue fielding a team in that league. While the move might seem small, there’s no mistaking that the decision is part of the bigger plan. The Mets need to cut costs in order to build a better club and this is a small step in that direction.

The bigger picture also includes an improved farm system, something the Mets are putting their efforts into. Shutting down one of their affiliates might seem counter-productive, but the focus shouldn’t be in question. Guys such as Zack Wheeler,  Matt Harvey, and Jeurys Familia – all RHP’s- are close to major league ready. There’s young pitching at the higher levels waiting to be plucked for a big league debut, and their development, though not without bumps, has gone very well. Wilmer Flores and Reese Havens are still question marks. And the Mets don’t have a young catcher in the wings. But the system is in overhaul.  Cutting the team could prove helpful in reorganizing a slowly improving system. Even more important is a front office that might be willing to spend more in the June Draft.

The Brew Crew’s biggest masher has averaged 40 home runs and 113 RBI over the past five seasons and has a .929 career OPS. In the final season of his contract, which paid him $15.5MM last year, Fielder hit 38 taters, drove in 120 runs, and scored 95 more  as the Brewers captured their first division title since the 1980′s. Milwaukee would love to have him back, especially with the black eye it’s currently sporting courtesy of Ryan Braun, but their not likely to retain their former first round draft pick (2002) unless he gives them a hometown discount. So far, there’s been no hint of that from Fielder or his agent Scott Boras, who most definitely does not believe in discounts.

SI’s Jon Heyman reported back in mid-November that Fielder was seeking a deal in the neighborhood of eight years and $200MM. Thus far, he has found no takers. For no particular rhyme or reason, it’s been repeatedly reported that the Seattle Mariners are the front-runners for Fielder’s services. Rumors are that he prefers the east coast, but money said, why would Fielder want to bat in a pitcher’s ballpark like Safeco Field?

The Brewers’ divisional rivals, the Chicago Cubs, were early favorites to sign Fielder, but the Cubs reportedly are not interested in spending the type of dollars it would take to put Fielder in Wrigley Field. ESPN’s Buster Olney expects the Washington Nationals to make a big play for Fielder, but thus far the team has maintained that Adam LaRoche will be their 1st baseman in 2012.

The Baltimore Orioles always have an interest in any free agent, but have shied away from the big money free agents in recent years. The Florida Marlins certainly have the desire to spend big bucks as they have already proven this off-season, but FoxSports’ Ken Rosenthal reported the Fish aren’t interested in Fielder. Rumor has it that the Marlins are expected to go hard after Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes, who would be a draw to the large Cuban population in Miami.

So where does the “Prince of Home Runs” end up? My money is still on the Texas Rangers, even if they are able to sign Yu Darvish. Texas has the money and the desire, and believes you can never have enough offense.

Other than the unknown commodity that is Cespedes, the most intriguing player still available (after Fielder), is LA Dodgers’ pitcher Hiroki Kuroda. The soon-to-be 37 year old right-hander was 13-16 last season despite a 3.05 ERA. The AL East’s big spenders, Boston and New York, are said to be in hot pursuit, though ESPN New York’s Wallace Matthews believes the Yankees interest is merely to drive up Kuroda’s asking price. The strategy was successful last off-season when Yankees’ GM Brian Cashman feigned interest in free agent outfielder Carl Crawford.

Then there is the case of veteran Roy Oswalt. When the Philadelphia Phillies acquired Oswalt during the 2010 season and then added Cliff Lee to a rotation that already boasted Roy Halladay and Cole Hamels, most observers though a World Series title in Philadelphia was a done deal. But not so fast; Oswalt threw just 139 mediocre innings in 2011, which included the second lowest strikeout to walk ratio in his 11 year career. Oswalt is seeking just a one year deal, and that is what is making him so attractive to prospective buyers, who hope he can do a suitable job as a fourth or fifth starter.

Then there are players whose best days are behind them, but could still add some value to a team. Raul Ibanez, Hideki Matsui, Carlos Pena, and Cody Ross are among those still looking for work.

Drew Sarver is a senior writer  for BaseballDigest.com.  You can also read his work at his blog, My Pinstripes. He can be contacted at mypinstripes@gmail.com and can be followed on Twitter at @BD_Sarver and @MyPinstripes. ]]> http://www.baseballdigest.com/2011/12/27/prince-of-the-home-runs/feed/ 0 http://www.baseballdigest.com/2011/12/21/uecker-named-to-nab-broadcasting-hall/ http://www.baseballdigest.com/2011/12/21/uecker-named-to-nab-broadcasting-hall/#comments Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:37:31 +0000 Jerry Milani http://www.baseballdigest.com/?p=10990 Most of the Hall of Fame talk these days focuses on the baseball writers’ Cooperstown ballots.  But baseball icon and voice of the Milwaukee Brewers Bob Uecker, who was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2001 and honored with the National Baseball Hall of Fame’s Ford C. Frick Award for broadcast excellence in 2003, has earned another plaque, this time in the National Associaton of Broadcasters (NAB) Hall of Fame.

Uecker will earn the honor during the NAB Show Radio Luncheon, held Tuesday, April 17 in Las Vegas and sponsored by ASCAP.

Affectionately known as “Mr. Baseball,” Uecker is entering his 42nd year calling play-by-play on the Brewers Radio Network and Journal Broadcasting Group’s WTMJ in Milwaukee. The former-player-turned-broadcaster has completed 30 seasons as the club’s lead announcer, and he will celebrate his 57th year associated with professional baseball in 2012.

Bob Uecker (image: BusinessWire)

“Bob Uecker is a cultural icon whose remarkable talent and love for baseball have touched generations of fans,” said NAB Executive Vice President of Radio John David. “We are excited to have him join the many esteemed broadcasters in the NAB’s Hall of Fame.”

The five-time Wisconsin Sportscaster of the Year was also inducted into the Wisconsin Sports Hall of Fame. Uecker was also a member of the 1964 St. Louis Cardinals World Series Championship team.

Previous NAB Radio Broadcasting Hall of Fame inductees include: Gerry House, Ron Chapman, Vin Scully, Jack Buck, Harry Carey, Larry Lujack, Rick Dees, Dick Purtan and Dick Orkin.

Consistency – Like their game on the field, this was of the highest importance. Consistent, fairly frequent content…

Content – Sharing updates and engaging with followers is what baseball fans are looking for from their team’s rising stars.

Humor – All the guys chosen get high marks in that area.

Finally, Personable – Sounds silly, but I see plenty of guys completely ignore compliments, recommendations, and questions. That’s not good Twitter etiquette.

These ten players utilize the social media tool to reach baseball fans, relating their unique experiences, and making even more of a name for themselves off the baseball field.

I also decided to include independent baseball players, despite not being affiliated with the major leagues, indy league has become more important to major league teams. And certainly more popular. And had I not allowed them, I would’ve had to omit the number one pick. And that would’ve been impossible.

1. Michael Schlact @michael_schlact Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (Atlantic League)

2. Ryan Westmoreland @RWesty25 Boston Red Sox

3. Deck McGuire @deckmcguire Toronto Blue Jays

4. Jiwan James @jiwan23 Philadelphia Phillies

5. Justin Jackson @JaxChillinONE Toronto Blue Jays

6. Richard Giannotti @JustMeGee Southern Maryland Blue Crabs

7. Brandon Douglas @BrandonDouglas5 Detroit Tigers

8. Ian Kadish @BearJew36 Toronto Blue Jays

9. Zack Wheeler @WheelerPro45 New York Mets

10. Kevin Rath @KRath702 Chicago White Sox

Twitter has been a source of controversy and debate in connection with athletes, but those ten players have successfully reached baseball fans on social media. It’s an interesting concept. Athletes, particularly young ones, are hotly protected by their teams and agents. But there’s a way to be themselves and socialize, as well as increasing their visibility, without embarrassing themselves or those invested in them.

In the future, more minor league players will surely join with the hope of creating a following before they’ve made it to the majors. They can look to these ten to know exactly how it’s done and the value of the experience.

All players were listed with team they were with in 2011. Free agency wasn’t taken into account.

Over the weekend, an old fashioned Baseball trade was announced between the San Diego Padres and the Reds. It is old fashion in the sense that it has nothing to do about money. All five players are under team control at team favored salaries. This trade is all about the needs of both organizations. The Reds needed an ace. They got that with the addition of 24 year old Mat Latos. The Padres needed an infusion of offensive talent. They got that with the acquisitions of prospects Yonder Alonso and Yasmani Grandal. Both are heralded offensive players who were blocked from everyday jobs in Cincinnati. The Padres also acquired relief prospect Brad Boxberger and starting pitcher Edinson Volquez, who was, just a few seasons ago, one of the brightest young pitchers in the game. The task for Padres General Manager Josh Byrnes is simple. He must infuse as much talent into the organization as possible. The budget isn’t big, the ballpark heavily favors pitchers, and the Padres are quite thin on offensive talent. A first baseman, Alonso’s power could play well, even in Petco. Grandal, one of the game’s better catching prospects, can be an above average Major League hitter. The Padres finished the 2011 season either 15th or 16th in the National League in every major offensive category. Part of it could be the ballpark, but most of it is the dearth of offensive talent. Volquez will get the benefit of Petco and Boxberger could be one of the game’s best relievers as soon as next year.

But, all of that is predicated on the notion that each player in that package works out. That rarely happens, even if everyone likes to cite the Rangers’ haul for Mark Teixeira. The Padres are in a position where they have to do that. They have to take the chance that most of the players work out. Their talent base, at this point, is thin. They received four high ceiling players for their best player in Latos. While trading a 24 year old ace is a difficult decision, the Padres had to take that chance. They had to get offensive help. They maximized an asset to get a great collection of talent. Latos is a tremendous talent, but the Padres had more pressing needs and can utilize their ballpark to help a lesser talented pitching staff.

The Reds are in the exact opposite position. They reside in the National League Central Division, a division loaded with teams with quite a few question marks. The division champion Brewers are facing life without Prince Fielder and possibly Ryan Braun for 50 games. The Cardinals won the World Series as the Wild Card, but they just lost the greatest player of this generation and possibly any generation. The rest of the division is rebuilding. The Reds are coming off of a disappointing 2011 season during which they entered as a favorite to win the division and even the pennant. But, they won just 79 games and finished 16 games behind the Brewers. Although their offense and defense were both one of the best in the league, their pitching staff suffered from lacking a top of the rotation starter. Bronson Arroyo, now 35 years old, suffered through a bizarre, poor season. Johnny Cueto pitched like a top of the rotation guy, but he made just 24 starts due to injury. Mike Leake isn’t a top of the rotation type pitcher, but can be useful at the back end of the rotation. While the Reds will toy with the idea of making Aroldis Chapman a starter, they clearly lacked someone to lead the staff in a winnable division.

Enter Mat Latos.

Latos is one of the most underrated young players in the sport. For the past two seasons, Latos has been a 7.2 WAR player. In human terms, it means that he has been one of the best pitchers in the game. Statistically, he holds the same company as Felix Hernandez, Cliff Lee, Zack Greinke, Jon Lester, and Jered Weaver. In other words, he really is one of the few elite level pitchers in the sport. With Latos leading the staff, the Reds now have a top two who can compete with the Brewers duo of Greinke and Gallardo or the Cardinals’ one-two punch of Wainwright and Carpenter. Each subsequent pitcher in the Reds’ rotation slots more appropriately.

Over the past two seasons, Latos has posted a 23-24 record of the Padres. Most will stop at that and see a below .500 pitcher. But, looking beyond the win-loss record–as should always be the case–shows an elite pitcher. He’s made 31 starts in each of the past two seasons. He’s averaged 190 innings pitched, 159 hits allowed, 2.7 BB/9, 8.9 K/9, a 3.21 ERA, a 1.135 WHIP, and a 113 ERA+. Last season, his supposed regression year, he posted a FIP of 3.16, indicating that he pitched better than his 3.47 ERA. The high strikeout pitcher also has the other characteristics of a legitimate ace. He gets enough ground balls as his 1.03 career GB/FB ratio indicates. That is actually quite important as Latos isn’t simply a product of Petco Park. A flyball pitcher who succeeds at Petco would be alarming, but Latos isn’t that type of pitcher. Despite the lanky frame, he is a power pitcher. Averaging 93 MPH with his fastball and employing a four pitch arsenal, including a slider, curve, and change up, Latos induced swings and misses at an 13 percent rate last season on pitches thrown in the strike zone. By comparison, Cy Young and MVP Justin Verlander posted a 14.8 percent rate.

There will be worries about Latos’ ability to pitch in Cincinnati’s offensive environment, but, again, Latos’ talent is more than that. He isn’t the equivalent of a Colorado Rockies’ hitter moving to Petco. In 41 career starts outside of Petco, Latos has posted a 3.57 ERA in 244.1 innings. He’s allowed 203 hits, 22 homeruns, 79 walks, and has struck out 235 batters. Essentially, he is the same pitcher in and out of Petco. He is that talented.

The real kicker for the Reds is that Latos is just entering his age 24 season. He’s under Reds’ control until 2015. He still, in many ways, is a prospect. He’s just a prospect with two full Major League seasons on his resume. There is still some ceiling left for the right hander. Of course, there is the risk that all young pitchers carry. Injuries are a concern, given Latos’ DL stint at the beginning of the season, but that’s the case for any young pitcher. Latos has progressed with his innings each season and projects to top the 200 mark for the first time in his career. Reds’ General Manager Walt Jocketty did give up a quality package of prospects, but Alonso and Grandal were blocked by better talents. Volquez still has potential, but he seemed to wear out his welcome last year, earning a demotion to triple-A twice. And, you don’t let a relief prospect, no matter how talented, keep you from a 24 year with a successful resume who can be one of the handful of elite arms. Essentially, Jocketty gave up depth for a potentially elite arm.

The Reds are a better team with Mat Latos than they were going to be had they kept their prospects. Latos now leads their rotation and can match up with anyone in the league. They get a pitcher with secondary statistics that back up the theory that he will pitch well in Great American Ballpark. They get a cost effective ace to lead a team with a great offense and an elite defense. Jocketty has more work to do–a closer, some bullpen parts, and perhaps some offensive depth, but Mat Latos puts them in conversation as being the favorite in the division.

Jocketty will be criticized for trading some elite prospects, but he made the correct call for his club’s situation. The Reds can win now. And, he didn’t acquire a rental player or a veteran. He acquired an ace who hasn’t reached his prime yet. Prospects are great to have, but they can function in different ways. The Tampa Rays have a model of development. But, sometimes a prospect is more valuable in what he can bring back. The Reds’ prospects brought back a 24 year old ace. Health aside, Latos is a known quantity. Given the cost of acquiring elite pitching–look at the Indians’ deal for Ubaldo Jimenez–Latos’ price tag seems about right.

The Padres got what they needed. They get the infusion of potential talent. That’s where they are in the development cycle. The Reds get exactly what they need. They get a pitcher to lead the staff with an extremely team-friendly contract. That’s where they are in the development cycle. They have a young team that can compete for the next several years, even longer. Now they have an ace to lead them during that time.