NL Central Notes: Cardinals, Taillon, Taylor
With Kolten Wong unlikely to play for at least “several days,” the Cardinals will turn to Tommy Edman at second base and return Matt Carpenter to regular duties at third base, per Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Wong is undergoing an MRI to determine the severity of a left hamstring strain he suffered in last night’s game, and his status for the remainder of the Cardinals’ season is up in the air at the moment. The 24-year-old Edman is the latest in a seemingly ceaseless parade of largely unheralded Cardinals prospects to immediately emerge as an impact contributor in St. Louis. A sixth-round pick in 2016, he’s never sniffed a Top 100 ranking, entering the season 12th among Cards prospects at Baseball America and 20th at Fangraphs. But Edman has hit at a .289/.325/.481 clip with 10 homers, 15 doubles, five triples, 13 steals and a 17.9 percent strikeout rate through his first 83 MLB games (302 plate appearances). He’d supplanted the struggling Carpenter as the Cards’ primary third baseman but will now slide over to second base, where he’s logged 857 minor league innings in his pro career.
More from the division…
- Pirates righty Jameson Taillon is taking as optimistic an approach to his second Tommy John surgery as possible, writes Adam Berry of MLB.com. The right-hander feels that he used the downtime from his first surgery in 2014 to improve other areas of his game and believes he can do the same this time around. “I’m seriously confident I’m going to find a way to get better from this one,” said Taillon. “Whether it’s mechanics, how can I take stress off my elbow, how can I get stronger, how can I age better, how can I dive into analytics and video.” Taillon acknowledged that he lost “a lot, a lot, a lot of money” because of the timing of the injury, which came on the heels of his first trip through arbitration and will wipe out his entire second year of arbitration. However, the 27-year-old also said he hopes to pitch for another seven or eight seasons upon returning from surgery and isn’t focusing on the more short-term financial ramifications.
- Brewers outfielder Tyrone Taylor had already gone home for the season and was in the process of applying for an offseason job with FedEx when he got the news that he’d instead be joining the MLB club, Robert Murray of The Athletic writes (subscription required). Taylor’s career has been filled with ups and downs, but after a series of injuries and poor performances, he put himself back on the map with a strong 2018 showing that landed him on Milwaukee’s 40-man roster. He’s been limited to a pinch-hitting role thus far but relishes the opportunity to not only be in the dugout for a playoff race but also to pick the brain of veterans players like Christian Yelich on a daily basis. “You want rookies feeling comfortable and welcome,” Yelich said of his talks with Taylor. “All of that is creating a culture – a winning culture.”
NL Notes: Carpenter, Phillies, Pirates, Cubs
The Cardinals look to be on their way to an NL Central title, but their 2019 success has come in spite of an uncharacteristically pedestrian year from third baseman Matt Carpenter. With the Cardinals trying to hold on in their division, Carpenter has taken a backseat to rookie Tommy Edman at the hot corner. While Carpenter did start there Wednesday in the Cardinals’ win over the Nationals, Edman has made twice as many starts this month (12 to six). Carpenter discussed his decrease in playing time with Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, acknowledging that Edman’s “got to play every day.” Although Carpenter went on to admit that dropping in the pecking order has been difficult, he added: “I understand part of what’s happening. Guys have played well and deserve to be in there. We’re winning and, at the end of the day, that’s ultimately what’s most important.” There’s still time for Carpenter to reemerge this year, but it’ll be interesting to see how the Cardinals handle him in the offseason if they’re convinced Edman’s the answer at third. A trade would be tough to put together, as Carpenter has two guaranteed years and $39MM coming his way after signing an extension in April. The three-time All-Star’s deal also includes a no-trade clause.
More from the NL…
- Outfielder Nick Williams‘ time with the Phillies seems likely to end when the Phillies’ season concludes, Matt Breen of the Philadelphia Inquirer writes. It’s clear Williams, once a touted prospect, has fallen out of favor with the organization. Even though the Phillies have been facing multiple injuries in their outfield, Williams still hasn’t been able to crack their lineup, as his most recent at-bat came Sept. 2. While Williams did thrive at the Triple-A level this year, he has stumbled to a dreadful.157/.204/.255 line in 108 major league plate appearances in 2019. Williams will still have a minor league option remaining after this season, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Phillies remove him from their 40-man roster then. It would be an unceremonious ending to a once-promising Philly tenure for Williams, who joined the club in 2015 as part of the package it received from Texas for Cole Hamels.
- Injured Pirates Josh Bell and Starling Marte are hoping to return this season, though it’s unlikely either will be ready until next week, Adam Berry of MLB.com writes. Bell has been out since Sept. 13 with a left groin strain, while Marte hasn’t appeared since the 10th on account of a sprained left wrist. In what has turned into a nightmare of a season for the Pirates both on and off the field, Bell and Marte have been among their few bright lights. If the 27-year-old Bell does come back in the season’s final days, he’ll try to make a last-second run at the 40-home run mark. Bell’s sitting at 37 dingers and a .277/.367/.569 line over 613 trips to the plate. Marte, 30, has posted his sixth season with at least 3.0 fWAR, thanks in part to a .295/.342/.503 line through 586 PA. This is also the second 20-20 campaign in a row for Marte, who has swatted 23 HRs and racked up 25 steals.
- Cubs reliever Brandon Kintzler has dealt with a mild oblique strain for a month and hasn’t pitched since Sept. 10. However, Kintzler said he had a “great day” throwing from a mound Wednesday, and pitching coach Tommy Hottovy indicated the right-hander could return as early as Sunday (via Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times). If true, Kintzler (as well as the returning Craig Kimbrel) could help bolster the Cubs’ bullpen as the team tries to earn a playoff spot. Chicago’s relief corps took the loss against Cincinnati on Wednesday, leaving the Cubs in a tie with the Brewers for the NL’s second wild-card position.
Felipe Vazquez Arrested, Charged In Florida
Sept. 18: Lacretia Wimbley and Shelly Bradbury of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette provide further detail on the series of charges that have been brought forth against Vazquez, including statutory sexual assault of a minor. Even more disturbing is that during yesterday’s interview with the police, Vazquez apparently admitted to sexual contact with a minor, according to a criminal complaint released by Westmoreland County on Wednesday.
Sept. 17: In a stunning and deeply troubling turn of events, Pirates pitcher Felipe Vazquez has been charged with a series of crimes in the state of Florida, according to James Santelli of CBS Pittsburgh. Vazquez, a resident of Florida, is in custody after being arrested today in Pennsylvania.
The underlying behavior alleged is exceedingly disturbing. Allegations involve an online relationship with a child, with charges including computer pornography, solicitation, and providing obscene materials to a minor. From other publicly released materials, it appears that other charges relating to the unlawful relationship with a child could also be filed.
Vazquez will be placed on administrative leave by Major League Baseball, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.com (via Twitter). The commissioner’s office has authority to place players on paid administrative leave, in seven-day increments, pursuant to the collectively bargained Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy.
That policy also vests broad punitive authority in the MLB commissioner, along with administrative processes to protect the rights of any accused players. It contemplates punishment upon a finding of a violation, without requiring a criminal conviction and regardless of any action or inaction from legal authorities.
Any such suspension that is ultimately issued would be without pay. One of baseball’s best relief pitchers, Vazquez is signed with the Pittsburgh organization through the 2021 season. The club has a pair of team options thereafter.
In terms of criminal process, it is difficult to know how this matter may proceed. If the state is able to move forward with these and/or other charges, Vazquez could reach a plea agreement or face trial. Counts of this severity will come with the possibility of jail time and could also have immigration implications for the Venezuelan citizen.
Pirates Select Contract Of Jake Elmore
The Pirates have selected the contract of utilityman Jake Elmore, per a club announcement. He’ll fill out the active roster down the stretch.
Elmore, 32, was on and off the Pittsburgh 40-man roster earlier this season. He has appeared in parts of six MLB campaigns, each time with a different ballclub, making him something of the consummate journeyman.
For his career, Elmore carries a modest .208/.287/.269 batting line in 498 plate appearances. He has spent most of his time at Triple-A, where he’s a .294/.389/.381 hitter over eight campaigns.
While he’s obviously not an especially productive hitter, Elmore has carved out a niche as a handy swiss army knife to have stashed when a need arises. He’s primarily a middle infielder. But at some point or another, Elmore has appeared at every single position on the diamond as a professional (including on the mound and behind the dish).
Pirates Claim Corban Joseph
The Pirates announced Monday that they’ve claimed infielder Corban Joseph off waivers from the Giants. Right-hander Chris Archer was transferred from the 10-day IL to the 60-day IL in order to make room on the 40-man roster.
Joseph, 30, is the younger brother of Diamondbacks catcher Caleb Joseph. He returned to the Majors with the 2018 Orioles five years after his 2013 MLB debut and has seen time with both Bay Area teams in 2019. The Giants had recently designated him for assignment. In a combined 57 plate appearances between Oakland and San Francisco in 2019, he managed an unsightly .151/.193/.245 batting line. That said, Joseph utterly laid waste to Pacific Coast League pitching, logging a .371/.421/.585 batting line with 13 home runs, 35 doubles and four triples in 493 plate appearances.
That production is miles ahead of Joseph’s career output in Triple-A, where offensive numbers are up throughout the league. But, it’s still 44 percent better than the league average in 2019 (per wRC+), and Joseph does have a history of performing well at the top minor league level. In parts of six Triple-A seasons, he’s a .294/.362/.457 hitter. He’s been primarily a second baseman but also has experience at both corner outfield and corner infield positions.
Archer was shut down for the season over the weekend after missing the past several weeks due to shoulder discomfort, so the move to the 60-day injured list, at this point, was a pure formality in order to get Joseph onto the roster.
Pirates Shut Down Chris Archer
The Pittsburgh Pirates plan to shut down injured right-hander Chris Archer for the remainder of the season, general manager Neal Huntington told reporters including Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Archer landed on the injured list on August 21 after prematurely exiting a start the previous day with shoulder discomfort.
While Archer’s season is over, he remains a near-lock to return to the Pirates next year. The team holds a relatively affordable $9MM club option for the 2020 season, and Huntington has given every indication that he intends to exercise that option and bring back Archer for another year.
Regardless, the 2019 season will go down as a forgettable one for Archer, who finishes the year with a 5.19 ERA, the worst mark of his career. He was able to maintain an above-average strikeout rate, but trouble with walks and home runs neutralized that impact. It’s worth noting that in August, prior to the injury, Archer had been enjoying his best month of the season and seemed to finally be trending upward. However, any progress will now be put on hold until next season.
Unfortunately for Archer, he will always be judged in the face of the blockbuster trade that sent him to Pittsburgh. As Austin Meadows, Tyler Glasnow, and even Shane Baz have flourished with Tampa Bay, Archer’s struggles make the deal look like one of the most lopsided in recent memory. With that in mind, the decision to pick up his option is at the very least an effort to mitigate the bad optics of the trade, which would look even worse if the Pirates cut ties with the prized starter after just one full season.
As for the Pirates, they have been rolling with right-hander Dario Agrazal since Archer hit the shelf. Unfortunately, the rookie hasn’t fared much better than Archer, having struck out just 30 batters in 62 1/3 innings.
Pirates Claim Williams Jerez
The Pirates have claimed southpaw Williams Jerez off waivers from the Giants, per a club announcement. Righty Kyle Crick — another former Giant who was injured recently in memorable fashion — was moved to the 60-day injured list to create roster space.
Jerez had been designated for assignment after a brief MLB showing with the San Francisco club, during which he walked six hitters over six innings. He had earned the promotion with a promising showing at the Triple-A level. In 56 innings on the year, Jerez carried a 3.86 ERA with 9.8 K/9 and 2.6 BB/9. He limited left-handed hitters to a paltry .174/.260/.314 collective batting line.
The Bucs will utilize Jerez in the majors late in 2019, the team has announced. He’ll have an opportunity to stake a claim to holding a 40-man spot throughout the winter. Ironically, he’ll also join Chris Stratton in Pittsburgh after being dealt for him late in Spring Training, as Jeff Fletcher of the Southern California News Group notes on Twitter.
NL Notes: Vazquez, Crick, Tomas, Nats, Cardinals
Pirates closer Felipe Vazquez initiated the fight he and teammate Kyle Crick engaged in Monday, Nubyjas Wilborn of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. The altercation began when Crick declined to turn off music that was playing at his locker when Vazquez asked him to, according to Wilborn. Vazquez then threw the initial punch at Crick after challenging Crick to hit him first. Both players wound up suffering injuries – Crick had to undergo season-ending finger surgery, while Vazquez needed stitches on his nose – and incurring team-imposed fines. The Pirates docked Vazquez $10K and Crick $2,500, but Crick told Wilborn he’s filing a grievance because he was acting in self-defense. “If we were on the street, this would’ve been assault,” Crick said. “I got swung at twice before I swung back.”
As Pittsburgh nears the end of an increasingly disastrous season, let’s check in on a few other NL clubs…
- Diamondbacks outfielder Yasmany Tomas has owned one of the richest contracts in the organization since he signed a six-year, $68.5MM pact out of Cuba in December 2014. Tomas hasn’t lived up to the considerable hype that accompanied the deal, though, and has spent almost the entire past two seasons at the Triple-A level as a result. As Zach Buchanan of The Athletic explains (subscription required), it doesn’t seem Tomas’ situation will change as he closes out his contract in 2020. Tomas will collect a $17MM salary no matter where he plays next year, but agent Jay Alou told Buchanan that his client is “frustrated” with his status and wants to return to the game’s highest level. That’s probably not going to happen in Arizona, however, in part because the team has concerns over Tomas’ outfield defense. Furthermore, Buchanan writes that the 28-year-old is way down the organizational pecking order at first base, leaving him without an obvious position in a league devoid of a DH. Worsening matters for Tomas, finding a trade partner for an expensive, defensively weak slugger who hasn’t produced much at the plate would be a difficult task for the Diamondbacks. Nevertheless, Alou’s surprised the D-backs haven’t gotten someone to take Tomas. “I just find it difficult there isn’t a team out there willing to pay a little bit of it,” Alou said of his contract.
- Nationals first baseman Matt Adams left the team’s game Thursday with a tweaked triceps, Jesse Dougherty of the Washington Post tweets. The Nationals should know more on Adams’ status Friday. Should Adams miss time, Washington would be without half of its typical first base platoon (Ryan Zimmerman‘s the other member). While Adams has provided the Nats’ offense with 20 home runs, he has nonetheless hit just .226/.278/.475 through 320 plate appearances.
- Standout Cardinals prospect Dylan Carlson had been set to play in the Arizona Fall League this year, but that plan has changed, president of baseball operations John Mozeliak told Mark Saxon of The Athletic. The soon-to-be 21-year-old outfielder will instead stay in his native California to “work on adding strength,” Saxon writes, as Mozeliak doesn’t think there’s anything more for Carlson to accomplish on the field this season. Carlson, who tore up Double-A and Triple-A this year, could be on the fast track to a major league promotion in early 2020.
MLBTR Poll: Time For Changes In Pittsburgh?
Tuesday brought the latest ignominious development of 2019 for Pittsburgh, a team that has gone from playoff hopeful to laughingstock in the span of a couple months. The Pirates announced that reliever Kyle Crick underwent season-ending surgery for an injury to his right index finger, which came as a result of a fight with teammate and fellow late-game hurler Felipe Vazquez. While it’s unclear how the fight began or who was truly at fault, it doesn’t really matter – the bottom line is that it’s no way for a pair of teammates to act toward one another.
Unfortunately for the Pirates, the Crick-Vazquez dust-up wasn’t the first instance of in-fighting for the club this year. There have been multiple examples in which members of the organization haven’t been able to coexist. Crick, Vazquez and fellow reliever Keone Kela have been among the sources of conflict. Vazquez and Kela each drew interest leading up to the July 31 deadline, but general manager Neal Huntington didn’t move either (more understandable in the case of Vazquez than Kela, as the former’s an elite closer).
Speaking of Huntington, the roster he has built is well on its way to a fourth straight season without a playoff berth. The Pirates were in the NL wild-card race when the second half of the season commenced, even though they were an unimpressive 43-46 at the time. They’ve gone an abysmal 20-36 since then and now own a 63-82 record that’s good for the eighth-worst mark in baseball. That’s not all Huntington’s fault – it would help if owner Bob Nutting would actually spend some money – but he and-or manager Clint Hurdle could nonetheless be in danger of losing their jobs in the wake of what has turned into an awful season.
While Huntington and Hurdle helped the Pirates to three straight playoff berths from 2013-15, the partnership’s on its way to its third sub-.500 season out of four since then. Between the lack of on-field results in recent years and the behind-the-scenes issues the Pirates have endured this season, perhaps Nutting will decide to move on from one or both of the Huntington-Hurdle tandem when the campaign concludes. Huntington has been in place since 2007, and Hurdle has been at the helm dating back to 2011, but it could be time for a regime change in Pittsburgh. What do you think?
(Poll link for app users)
What should the Pirates do?
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Fire both 71% (4,959)
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Fire Huntington 12% (860)
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Fire Hurdle 9% (605)
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Keep both 8% (559)
Total votes: 6,983
Pirates’ Kyle Crick Injured In Fight With Felipe Vazquez
WEDNESDAY: Crick told Nubyjas Wilborn of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and other reporters that Vazquez threw the first punch. Vazquez didn’t comment, per Wilborn, who adds that the closer had “noticeable swelling and bandages” on his nose.
TUESDAY: Pirates relievers Felipe Vazquez and Kyle Crick engaged in a clubhouse fight Monday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports reports. Crick came out of it requiring season-ending tendon surgery in his right index finger, the team announced. The club also fined him and Vazquez.
“The behavior exhibited by these two players last night is unacceptable, inconsistent with the standards expected of a Major League player and will not be tolerated by the organization,” general manager Neal Huntington stated (via Nightengale).
This isn’t the first hint of behind-the-scenes tension in what has degenerated into an awful season for the Pirates. Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reported in mid-August that in-fighting had been all too common for the club this year. Yet another reliever, Keone Kela, has been a prominent source of tension for Pittsburgh – which has plummeted out of the NL playoff race as the season has gone on and now owns a horrid 63-81 record.
As with Kela, Crick has also been involved in multiple dust-ups this season with members of his own organization. He previously feuded with bullpen coach Euclides Rojas over the alleged preferential treatment the latter gave Vazquez. Now, thanks to his apparent disdain for Vazquez, Crick won’t pitch again until 2020. Whether he’ll take the mound again as a Pirate is unclear, as the club could attempt to move him if it doesn’t believe he and Vazquez (a potential trade chip in his own right) can coexist. While Vazquez is among the best relievers in baseball, Crick struggled to a 4.96 ERA/5.95 FIP and walked upward of six batters per nine across 49 innings in 2019.
It also may be fair to wonder whether the friction in the Pirates’ clubhouse, not to mention their uninspired on-field performance, will have negative ramifications for Huntington and-or manager Clint Hurdle. The franchise was plenty successful under the pair a few years back, evidenced by its postseason berths from 2013-15, but has fallen from grace since that three-year stretch. The bickering Pirates are now on their way to a fourth straight season without a playoff appearance.