Baseball Blogs Weigh In News & Rumors

This week in baseball blogs:

• Jays Journal examines the possibility of Toronto acquiring Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis.
• Pirates Breakdown wonders if the Bucs should attempt to land Athletics slugger Ryon Healy.
• Mets Daddy doesn’t want the club to pursue a trade for Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon.
• Sports Talk Philly could see the Phillies making a run at one of Gordon’s infield mates, third baseman Martin Prado.
• Reviewing The Brew names other Brewers extension candidates after they locked up Chase Anderson.
• Off The Bench (links: 1, 2) calls Alex Cobb this year’s most underrated free agent and encourages readers to participate in its Free Agent Predictor contest, which offers cash giveaways to its winners.
• The Runner Sports (links: 1, 2) celebrates the Astros’ first World Series championship. TRS also argues that the Yankees need to pick up a veteran catcher.
• Camden Depot ponders whether Orioles second baseman Jonathan Schoop has the potential to be an even better offensive player than he was in 2017.
• Angelswin.com (links: 1, 2) submits the next two parts of its offseason primer.
• The Point of Pittsburgh evaluates how the potential “juiced” ball could affect Pirates hitters and pitchers next year.
• Call to the Pen makes a pitching wish list for the Phillies.
• District On Deck lists three lessons the Nationals could learn from recent World Series winners.
• The Sports Tank focuses on Charlie Morton, one of the Astros’ playoff heroes.
• BASEBALLDOCS names potential suitors for Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton.
• Jays From the Couch doesn’t expect Toronto to sign free agent shortstop Zack Cozart.
• A’s Farm talks to Athetlics prospects Sheldon Neuse and Sean Murphy from the Arizona Fall League.
• Clubhouse Corner’s Bernie Pleskoff gives his scouting reports from the AFL on Max Freid, Yusniel Diaz, Kyle Tucker and Albert Abreu.
• Notes from the Sally previews the 2018 Rome Braves.
• Pop Culture Abstract looks at 20 years of Cardinal stats and compares them to the NL and MLB averages for those seasons.
• BP Toronto explains how the majors’ home run spike resembles a video game.
• Underthought examines the five-home World Series performances of George Springer and Reggie Jackson.
• MetsMind highlights Amed Rosario‘s plate discipline issues.
• Pinstriped Prospects profiles Jay Bell, a potential candidate for the Yankees’ managerial job.
• Outfield Fly Rule is ranking 50 Braves prospects in 50 days.
• Extra Innings UK interviews Mets prospect Blake Taylor, who pitched for Great Britain in the World Baseball Classic.
• Rotisserie Duck revisits some preseason fantasy baseball prognostications.

Please send submissions to ZachBBWI @gmail.com.

This week in baseball blogs:

• Pop Culture Abstract writes about the possibility of the Cardinals acquiring Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton.
• Bleeding Royal Blue examines Kansas City’s chances of re-signing Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas.
• Jays From The Couch (podcast) and Clutchlings each interview Mark Shapiro, Toronto’s president and CEO.
• The Runner Sports (links: 1, 2) addresses the Yankees’ decision to part with Joe Girardi, and recaps Game 3 of the World Series.
• Mets Daddy and MetsMind have pieces on the club’s hiring of new manager Mickey Callaway.
• Angelswin.com submits Part I of its offseason primer for the Halos.
• 216Stitches details the changes reliever Tony Watson has made since the Dodgers acquired him from the Pirates in July.
• The Loop Sports evaluates the Cubs’ impending free agents.
• Camden Depot expects Trey Mancini to be a solid long-term piece for the Orioles.
• Jays Journal proposes a Toronto-San Diego blockbuster.
• Motor City Bengals has an idea for a Tigers-Red Sox trade.
• The Sports Tank contends that the World Series could make Dodgers center fielder Chris Taylor a household name.
• The Point of Pittsburgh regards the sale of BAMTech to Disney as a way for the Pirates to boost payroll in 2018.
• Pinstriped Prospects (links: 1, 2) profiles a pair of potential in-house candidates for the Yankees’ managerial job.
• Clubhouse Corner‘s Bernie Pleskoff gives his thoughts on the postseason.
• The Giants Cove is none too pleased with the state of the team.
• Pirates Breakdown wonders if the Bucs should trade patience for aggressiveness at the plate.
• Call to the Pen names Phillies who are on the 40-man roster bubble.
• Everything Bluebirds sees room for improvement for the Blue Jays’ catchers.
• Ladodgerreport analyzes some of the decisions Dave Roberts made in Game 2 of the World Series.

Submissions: ZachBBWI @gmail.com.

This week in baseball blogs:

• Hardball Via Hardcore sees Seattle as a logical landing spot for Shohei Otani.
• Jays From the Couch believes Toronto should explore a trade for Cardinals outfielder Randal Grichuk.
• Reviewing The Brew tries to find out what Ryan Braun‘s trade market could look like this offseason.
• Blessyouboys names Tigers who likely won’t be back with the team in 2018.
• Clubhouse Corner shares potential offseason strategies for the Indians and Diamondbacks.
• LegendsOnDeck compares the seasons of AL MVP contenders Jose Altuve and Aaron Judge.
• The Sports Tank expects Jake Arrieta‘s big-game track record to help his cause in free agency.
• Pop Culture Abstract evaluates the Cardinals’ offense.
• MetsMind asks if Matt Harvey‘s fastball command will ever return.
• Motor City Bengals regards the Tigers and Nationals as logical trading partners.
• Pirates Breakdown chats with with one of the Bucs’ top prospects, left-hander Taylor Hearn.
• Sports Talk Philly talks with Hall of Fame voters Jayson Stark, Andrew Baggarly, Kevin Cooney and Danny Knobler about Jimmy Rollins‘ Cooperstown chances.
• Mets Daddy calls the team’s managerial opening “a dead-end job.”
• Boston Sports Extra recaps Drew Pomeranz‘s season.
• Jays Journal lists free agent bullpen targets for Toronto.
• The Point of Pittsburgh examines if Ivan Nova‘s arm slot was the culprit for his second-half decline.
• Call to the Pen (links: 1, 2) analyzes the Phillies’ 40-man roster.
• BP Toronto has a post-mortem on the Blue Jays’ season.
• The Runner Sports (links: 1, 2) previews Game 7 of the ALCS and profiles Astros outfield prospect Juan Ramirez, who was part of the Justin Verlander trade.
• The Loop Sports is optimistic about the White Sox’s future behind the plate.
• Pinstriped Prospects highlights the best hitting performances by Yankees prospects in 2017.
• Everything Bluebirds wonders where Dalton Pompey fits on the Blue Jays.
• Ladodgerreport writes about the club’s NLCS-clinching win over the Cubs.

Please send submissions to ZachBBWI @gmail.com.

This week in baseball blogs:

• Jays Journal wants Toronto to pursue a trade for Marlins center fielder Christian Yelich.
• When Sid Slid shares a Braves offseason blueprint.
• theScore has some concerns about Clayton Kershaw.
• Pop Culture Abstract is leery of reliever Greg Holland, a potential target for the Cardinals in free agency.
• The Point of Pittsburgh looks at Gerrit Cole‘s issues with homers this season.
• The Sports Tank argues that Brad Ausmus should be the next manager of the Red Sox.
• Everything Bluebirds explains why Toronto should consider trading Josh Donaldson in the offseason.
• Underthought examines how starting pitchers who entered games as relievers have fared this postseason.
• Mets Daddy is glad they passed on Matt Wieters last winter.
• Atlanta Baseball Talk (podcast) chats with David O’Brien, who covers the Braves for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
• Pirates Breakdown talks with Bucs left-hander Jack Leathersich.
• Clutchlings believes the Blue Jays will have a legitimate chance to land Shohei Otani if he leaves Japan.
• Hardball Via Hardcore flashes forward to life without Nelson Cruz for the Mariners.
• DiNardo’s Dugout (podcast) hands out NL awards.
• The Loop Sports assesses James Shields‘ season.
• Call to the Pen delves into the possibility of the Phillies trading for pitching.
• Clubhouse Corner’s Bernie Pleskoff (links: 1, 2) analyzes impact players and rosters from both leagues.
• The Runner Sports (links: 1, 2,) writes about the importance of starting pitching, and has a piece on Astros outfielder Josh Reddick.
• Rotisserie Duck highlights the best clutch hitters of 2017.
• Ladodgerreport is impressed with Kenta Maeda in his new relief role.
• The 3rd Man In profiles right-hander Adam Kloffenstein, a 2018 draft prospect.
• Pinstriped Prospects (links: 1, 2) lists five underrated performances from Yankees hitting and pitching prospects in 2017.
• Jays From the Couch opines that Toronto’s outfield should not be its top priority this offseason.
• MetsMind points out that the club was terrible against playoff teams this year.
• The Giants Cove doesn’t hold Dusty Baker in high esteem.

Submissions: ZachBBWI @gmail.com.

This week in baseball blogs…

• Redbird Daily regards Marlins outfielder Christian Yelich as a potential trade target for the Cardinals.
• BP Toronto doesn’t think extending Josh Donaldson would be as costly for the Blue Jays as some believe.
• Hardball via Hardcore shares an offseason plan for the Mariners.
• Pirates Breakdown asks if the Pirates can mimic the Twins’ turnaround.
• Rotisserie Duck highlights all 30 teams’ WAR leaders.
• Pop Culture Abstract checks in on where the Cardinals’ value came from this year.
• The Loop Sports is bullish on White Sox prospect Luis Robert.
• Jays From the Couch wants Toronto to trade for Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon.
• Call To The Pen names candidates for the Phillies’ last rotation spot.
• A’s Farm previews the Athletics’ Arizona Fall League squad.
• MetsMind explains how the club can improve its woeful defense next season.
• Clubhouse Corner looks at six storylines from the Yankees’ season.
• The Point of Pittsburgh reviews key checkpoints of the Pirates’ season.
• Jays Journal makes some early free agent predictions for Toronto.
• DiNardo’s Dugout (podcast) hands out National League awards and discusses the playoffs.
• Mets Daddy writes about the team’s unfortunate history since its most recent World Series title 31 years ago.
• Camden Depot analyzes Wade Miley‘s 2017 struggles.
• The Runner Sports (links: 1, 2) offers Astros and Yankees playoff previews.
• Pinstriped Prospects interviews young Yankees outfielder Jeff Hendrix.

Submissions: ZachBBWI @gmail.com.

This week in baseball blogs…

• Pop Culture Abstract explores a potential Jose Abreu trade between the White Sox and Cardinals.
• Sports Talk Philly opines that the Phillies shouldn’t make a major offseason trade for an outfielder.
• Off The Bench (links: 1, 2) examines the NL MVP candidacy of Diamondbacks midseason acquisition J.D. Martinez.
• BP Toronto reflects on Jose Bautista‘s Blue Jays tenure.
• Bronx Bomber Ball believes Aaron Judge‘s postseason will go a long way toward defining his rookie year.
• Pirates Breakdown analyzes the strikeout pitches of the Bucs’ starters.
• The Giants Cove isn’t particularly optimistic about the club’s direction.
• Clubhouse Corner profiles Diamondbacks coordinator of pro scouting Cory Hahn, who overcame a debilitating injury to get to where he is now.
• FanRag highlights the top International League prospects of 2017.
• Notes From The Sally ranks the most talented teams from this year’s South Atlantic League.
• Everything Bluebirds reacts to the Blue Jays’ re-signing of Marco Estrada.
• Rotisserie Duck writes about the home run spike in today’s game.
• Call To The Pen focuses on which Phillies could be the odd men out in the coming years.
• Camden Depot has high hopes for Orioles right fielder Austin Hays.
• MetsMind looks back at some rebound years from past Mets teams and wonders if the 2018 version will return to contention.
• Inside the ‘Zona takes a look at the Diamondbacks’ playoff rotation and ponders whether their season is already a success.
• The Runner Sports (links: 1, 2) argues that offenses aren’t at their peak and notes that the 2017 Astros could go down in Houston sports lore.
• The 3rd Man In interviews outfield prospect and prospective 2018 draft pick Vinny Tosti.
• Extra Innings speaks with the Rockies’ Erick Julio, a promising Colombian pitcher.
• Pinstriped Prospects talks with Yankees Double-A outfielder Zack Zehner.
• Mets Daddy asks if Robin Ventura would make sense for the team as a successor to manager Terry Collins.
• Jays Journal doesn’t expect Toronto to bring back both Ryan Goins and Darwin Barney next year.
• Chris Zantow revisits the success of the 2005 Brewers.

Submissions: ZachBBWI @gmail.com.

This week in baseball blogs…

• Stats Swipe wonders what a Manny Machado trade would look like.
• The 3rd Man In advises the Marlins to trade Giancarlo Stanton and names the Giants as the most logical suitors.
• When Sid Slid shares an offseason blueprint for the Braves.
• Pop Culture Abstract criticizes the Cardinals for overhyping center fielder Dexter Fowler when they signed him last winter.
• Big Three Sports recaps Reds right-hander Luis Castillo‘s excellent rookie season.
• BP Toronto (links: 1, 2) breaks down the best performing minor leaguers in the Blue Jays’ system this year.
• Mets Daddy explains why the club should consider naming Alex Rodriguez its next manager.
• PhoulBallz interviews Phillies second base prospect Scott Kingery.
• ThinkBluePC talks with Dodgers pitching prospect Dennis Santana.
• District On Deck regards shortstop Trea Turner as one of the most dynamic players in Nationals history.
• Camden Depot is optimistic Tim Beckham will be the Orioles’ long-term answer at shortstop.
• The Giants Cove writes about the “unique strategy” they’re using to court Shohei Otani.
• Off The Bench isn’t ready to give up on Matt Harvey.
• The Point of Pittsburgh says the Pirates can revive fan interest if they go opposite of their financial instincts this offseason.
• Sports Talk Philly believes Chase Utley deserves serious Hall of Fame consideration.
• Notes From The Sally ranks the Single-A Rome Braves’ best arms from 2016-17.
• Jays Journal (links: 1, 2) argues that infielder Ryan Goins shouldn’t be on the team next year, and has high hopes for right fielder Teoscar Hernandez.
• Pirates Breakdown thinks Bucs first baseman Josh Bell should be in the running for National League Rookie of the Year.
• Call To The Pen (links: 1, 2) searches for the next Andrew Miller and looks inside the Phillies organization for another core piece.
• Extra Innings speaks with the Mets’ P.J. Conlon, who’s on the fast track to becoming the first Northern Irish player in MLB since 1909.
• The Runner Sports (links: 1, 2) asks which team the Yankees would be better off facing if they end up in the wild-card round and dissects three recent Astros plays.
• Jays From The Couch pays tribute to Jose Bautista, whose time in Toronto could be on the verge of ending.
• Clubhouse Corner’s Bernie Pleskoff shares his thoughts on the NL playoff outlook.
• Puckett’s Pond forecasts a potential Twins playoff roster.
• Bronx Bomber Ball constructs a possible wild-card game lineup for the Yankees.
• MetsMind looks at why the team’s increased home run output over the past five years has not produced more runs.
• Motor City Bengals expects the Tigers to improve in 2018.
• Everything Bluebirds is hopeful the Blue Jays have found a quality left-handed reliever from within.
• Pinstriped Prospects (links: 1, 2, 3, 4) reviews the seasons of a few of the Yankees’ minor league affiliates.
• Rotisserie Duck names the greatest baseball card set ever.

Submissions: ZachBBWI @gmail.com.

This week in baseball blogs…

• Cleveland Indians Perspective compares the work the American League’s top two starters, the Tribe’s Corey Kluber and the Red Sox’s Chris Sale, have done against playoff-bound teams this season.
• The Sports Tank regards the Diamondbacks’ summer acquisition of ex-Tigers slugger J.D. Martinez as one of the greatest midseason moves in baseball history.
• Sports Talk Philly wants the Phillies to inquire about Blue Jays right-hander Marcus Stroman in the offseason.
• Big Three Sports delves into Indians righty Carlos Carrasco‘s success.
• The Giants Cove sees the Padres as a powerhouse in the making.
• TheIntrepidSTL says Cardinals righty Michael Wacha is tipping his changeup.
• Stats Swipe believes the Twins could cause problems for the Yankees if they meet in the AL wild-card round.
• Jays From the Couch examines potential offseason scenarios involving Toronto third baseman Josh Donaldson.
• Notes From The Sally details what made the Red Sox’s Jay Groome and the Braves’ Joey Wentz the top pitchers in the South Atlantic League this year.
• Camden Depot opines that Mark Trumbo‘s presence is problematic for the Orioles.
• Clubhouse Corner’s Bernie Pleskoff looks at the AL division leaders and the playoff snapshot.
• DiNardo’s Dugout (podcast) discusses the Indians’ winning streak and Shohei Otani, and makes postseason predictions.
• District On Deck explains how the Nationals won the National League East.
• Call to the Pen focuses on potential in-house answers for the Phillies’ rotation heading into 2018.
• Motor City Bengals expects the Tigers’ future success to be based on a potentially dynamic rotation.
• BP Toronto writes about struggling Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista and the unpredictability of baseball.
• Inside the ‘Zona studies the changes Diamondbacks righty Jimmie Sherfy underwent before reaching the majors.
• Pirates Breakdown goes behind the scenes for Double-A Altoona’s Eastern League championship victory.
• The 3rd Man In talks with young righty Ian Bedell, one of the top pitching prospects set to enter next year’s draft.
• A’s Farm names its organizational all-star team for 2017.
• Outfield Fly Rule doles out 2017 awards to Braves minor leaguers.
• Jays Journal lists five positive takeaways from Toronto’s season.
• Pinstriped Prospects chats with Yankees farmhand Steven Sensley.
• Extra Innings interviews Europe’s top minor league prospect, the Royals’ Marten Gasparini.
• The Runner Sports (links here) wonders if Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge can break the rookie home run record (49, by Mark McGwire in 1987) and profiles Astros catcher prospect Chuckie Robinson.
• MetsMind looks ahead to the team’s 2018 bullpen.
• Everything Bluebirds is concerned the Blue Jays will be too loyal to aging veterans in the future.
• Elite Sports NY notes that the Yankees added to an already crowded group of middle infield prospects when they signed Dominican teenager Ronny Rojas last week.
• RSNStats goes back in time to the Red Sox’s 1918 World Series win, the only Fall Classic ever played in September.
• Mets Daddy recaps an odd day at Citi Field.
• Rotisserie Duck names the top 10 baseball card sets of all-time.

Submissions: ZachBBWI @gmail.com.

This week in baseball blogs:

• Bleeding Royal Blue opines that Mike Trout should win the American League MVP.
• The 3rd Man In contends that the Brewers’ offseason signing of first baseman/outfielder Eric Thames hasn’t paid off.
• Camden Depot analyzes Orioles slugger Mark Trumbo‘s 2017 struggles.
• Pirates Breakdown makes arguments for and against the Bucs shutting down right-hander Jameson Taillon for the season.
• Call To The Pen sees a potential core four forming in Philadelphia.
• The Giants Cove is pessimistic about the direction of the franchise.
• Notes From The Sally ranks the top 50 prospects from this year’s South Atlantic League.
• Clubhouse Corner’s Bernie Pleskoff names the five best farm systems in baseball.
• Jays Journal highlights the Toronto prospects who dominated in 2017.
• Outfield Fly Rule profiles newly promoted Braves left-hander Luiz Gohara.
• PhoulBallz (links: 1, 2) interviews Phillies first-round pick Adam Haseley.
• Mets Daddy proposes a trade that would send Jacob deGrom and Amed Rosario to the Orioles for Manny Machado.
• The Loop Sports is pleased with Lucas Giolito‘s first few starts as a member of the White Sox.
• Inside the ‘Zona imagines a Game 1 NLDS matchup between the Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw and the Diamondbacks’ Robbie Ray.
• The First Out At Third focuses on Brewers infielder Jonathan Villar‘s miserable season.
• Sports Talk Philly asks what the Phillies’ infield will look like on Opening Day 2018.
• Everything Bluebirds suggests that Troy Tulowitzki‘s time as the Jays’ best shortstop is running out.
• A’s Farm runs down the Athletics’ minor league statistical leaders for 2017.
• The Point of Pittsburgh writes about what Pirates manager Clint Hurdle’s extension means for 2018.
• MetsMind wonders whether Juan Lagares has what it takes to be the team’s starting center fielder going forward.
• The Runner Sports (links: 1, 2) notes that the Astros’ late-August acquisition of outfielder Cameron Maybin is paying dividends, and looks at Hurricane Irma’s effect on the Yankees.
• Big Three Sports explains how Orioles righty Dylan Bundy could become elite.
• Jays From The Couch doesn’t expect rotation depth to be a major issue for Toronto in 2018.
• Stats Swipe examines the results of Rangers righty Miguel Gonzalez‘s high slider usage.
• Chris Zantow flashes back to Sept. 9, 1992, when Brewers legend Robin Yount collected his 3,000th hit.
• Rotisserie Duck revisits some memorable and unfortunate hit by pitches.

Submissions: ZachBBWI @gmail.com

This week in baseball blogs:

• The Sports Tank and The Runner Sports react to the Astros’ acquisition of longtime Tigers ace Justin Verlander.
• Stats Swipe breaks down some possible fits via trade for Marlins MVP candidate Giancarlo Stanton.
• DiNardo’s Dugout (podcast) discusses the Verlander deal, another huge Tigers trade (Justin Upton to the Angels), Stanton and the impact of managers.
• Motor City Bengals lists the Tigers’ best remaining trade chips now that Verlander and Upton are gone.
• Big Three Sports looks at how pitchers have adjusted to Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers.
• TheIntrepidSTL is optimistic about young Cardinals righty Luke Weaver.
• Mets Daddy contends that if injured third baseman David Wright is ever going to get his career back on track, he’ll have to do it in the AL as a designated hitter.
• Outfield Fly Rule reviews the Braves-Angels Brandon Phillips trade from Atlanta’s perspective.
• The Point of Pittsburgh writes about the double standard of the Pirates letting Juan Nicasio leave via waivers.
• Jays From the Couch explores the idea of the team moving on from Jose Bautista.
• The Runner Sports wonders what’s in store for the Yankees’ 2018 rotation.
• District On Deck names five September storylines for the Nationals.
• Notes From The Sally scouts Phillies outfield prospect Adam Haseley, the eighth pick in this year’s draft.
• Clubhouse Corner’s Bernie Pleskoff shares his thoughts on young hurlers Alex Reyes, A.J. Puk and Dylan Cease.
• ThinkBluePC previews the Dodgers’ prospective playoff bullpen.
• A’s Farm highlights the Athletics’ top-performing hitting prospects of 2017.
• LegendsOnDeck asks if Mets infielder Wilmer Flores will be a starter or a utility player going forward.
• Call to the Pen weighs the pros and cons of potential Phillies offseason trades.
• Camden Depot examines the Orioles’ offensive resurgence.
• BP Toronto believes Blue Jays left-hander Tim Mayza has the potential to turn into an ace reliever.
• Everything Bluebirds, meanwhile, laments the Jays’ inability to find a reliable lefty reliever.
• Pinstriped Prospects writes about the success Yankees Double-A right-hander Jose Mesa Jr. is having this year and talks to the pitcher about the impact his father, the former reliever, has made on him.
• Rotisserie Duck goes back in time to the first decade of the Arizona Fall League (1992-2001) to see how its best talent fared in the majors.
• Extra Innings scouts in detail the Top 20 European baseball prospects.
• MetsMind takes a look at the numbers behind the team’s disappointing season.
• Jays Journal names the most prolific home run hitters in Toronto history.

Submissions: ZachBBWI @gmail.com