MLBits: Aces Working Their Way Back, Retiring Yankees, Lucroy and Pirates Explain, More

Aug 08, 2016

We are about a quarter of the way through August already, can you believe it?

This season has really flown by.

But many of the best parts – like, you know, October – are still to come. So strap in and hang on. We’re approaching the final stretch of the season.

In case you managed to miss this, Alex Rodriquez will play his final game in the Major Leagues this Friday against the Rays at Yankee Stadium. Following the game, the Yankees and A-Rod announced Sunday, Rodriguez will be unconditionally released from his player contract, in order to serve as a special advisor and instructor for the Yankees through the end of the calendar year. Although the decision reportedly came from the Yankees, A-Rod is at peace with it and was “humbled and flattered,” to be asked to continue on in a supporting capacity. Of course there’s also the fact that – because he’s being released – Rodriguez will receive all of the $27 million owed to him through the end of a 10-year deal. That should help. Rodriguez will end his career 4 homers short of 700, behind only Barry Bonds (762), Hank Aaron (755) and Babe Ruth (714), overall.

And just because it’s interesting: Alex Rodriquez has finished six (6!) seasons with 9.0 WAR or more. That’s insane. He’ll finish with a grand total of 113 WAR, which is 13th in history, nestled between Lou Gehrig and Mickey Mantle. [Brett: I completely agree with Michael there on A-Rod’s crazy production, but try this on for insane – Mike Trout already has three seasons with 9.0 WAR or more, and he’s on pace to do it again this year. He turned 25 yesterday.]

Of course, Rodriguez’s news comes just days after teammate Mark Teixeira announced his own retirement, effective at the end of the season. Teixeira, 36, is coming to the end of an eight-year, $180 million deal. Teixeira hasn’t quite been himself this season (.200/.288/.343), but he’s had quite the career:

3x AL All-Star, 5x AL Gold Glove winner and 3x AL Silver Slugger winner @teixeiramark25 has announced he will retire at the end of 2016

— Yankees PR Dept. (@YankeesPR) August 5, 2016

[adinserter block=”1″]

According to Jack Baer at Dodgers.com, Clayton Kershaw (out with a herniated disk) played catch at Dodger Stadium for the first time since his setback in mid-July. Any possible return this season will definitely still take him into September, but this was a very big first step. Of course, thanks to the early conclusion of the Minor League seasons, manager Dave Roberts said that a return for Kershaw will have to come without a rehab assignment. Instead, Kershaw would do bullpen sessions, live batting practices, and simulated games until he’s ready to return. So, then, you can see how this might get a little tricky. The Dodgers are currently one game behind the Giants for first place in the NL West, but have a three-game lead on the first Wild Card. Should Kershaw be back for the playoffs, there are obvious and significant Cubs-related implications here.

His former teammate, Zack Greinke, is a bit ahead of him, and is set to be activated in time to make his start on Tuesday against the Mets. Greinke, you’ll recall, has been on the disabled list with a left oblique strain since June 29. To make room for Greinke, the D-backs optioned reliever Evan Marshall down to Triple-A Reno. Unlike Kershaw, however, Greinke isn’t returning to quite the same level of success. In 109.1 innings pitched this season, Greinke has a 3.62 ERA, which is more than double the mark he posted last year. And actually, he is just one of many formerly studly starting pitchers to go through, what can only be classified as, the Space Jam effect. Check out the numbers from some big names in 2016, compared to their career marks:

Shelby Miller: 7.14 ERA (career: 3.64 ERA)

Sonny Gray: 5.74 ERA (career: 3.43)

James Shields: 5.43 ERA (career: 3.84)

Adam Wainwright: 4.34 ERA (career: 3.10)

David Price: 4.34 ERA (career: 3.21)

Chris Archer: 4.26 ERA (career: 3.52)

Gio Gonzalez: 4.13 ERA (career: 3.66)

[adinserter block=”2″]

As the Trade Deadline came and went on August 1, we were able to follow the logic behind nearly every teams’ trade decisions, with pretty much just one exception: The Pittsburgh Pirates. How so? Travis Sawchik puts it simply. “The Pirates were in an awkward position,” Sawchik explains, “in playoff contention but with an unlikely path to the postseason, perhaps better positioned to contend in 2017. As the clock melted to the deadline, the Pirates chose to buy and sell, trying to balance the present and future.” Ah the infamous, frequently suggested, but rarely executed buy AND sell deadline strategy. In the last hour of the deadline (after trading closer Mark Melancon a couple days before), you’ll recall, the Pirates dealt Jon Niese to the Mets for left-handed reliever Antonio Bastardo, acquired rental starter Ivan Nova from the Yankees for two players to be named later, and traded away Francisco Liriano and two prospects for Drew Hutchison. The plan is explained in greater detail here at the Trib Live and I encourage you to give it a read. GM Neil Huntington explains the Liriano decision in particular as a combination of not quite believing he’ll return to form, the desire to rid themselves of his remaining contract, and, most importantly, the desire to acquire Drew Hutchison.

Aside from the Pirates, another intriguing 2016 trade deadline mystery has since been explained in the fallout: Jonathan Lucroy’s vetoed trade to the Cleveland Indians. At ESPN, Robert Sanchez gets the story first hand from Lucroy (which is all kinds of interesting for the pure “player X is being traded to team Y” purposes), and it’s mostly what we’ve come to expect. Lucroy was willing to go to Cleveland (calling them winners with a great team and a great shot this season), but was concerned about playing time in 2017. When his camp called to ask the Indians about it, they received confirmation about their biggest concern. “We were right,” Lucory said via Sanchez at ESPN. “Antonetti (Indians’ President) told Doug (Lucroy’s agent) that the Indians couldn’t make any promises on me catching next season. There was no way they’d drop the team option, either, because I’m pretty inexpensive in 2017. I don’t blame them. I would have been mostly at first base and designated hitter. In the end, that was the deal killer.” To me, there are absolutely no bad guys here. Lucroy worked hard to get a limited no-trade clause and he used it. Cleveland was open and honest about their intentions (when they really didn’t have to be), and Lucroy responded accordingly. What are you gonna do? Ultimately, Lucroy was traded to the Texas Rangers, where he plays today.

[adinserter block=”3″]

At MLB Trade Rumors, Steve Adams runs through the most surprising non-trades, prior to the deadline and there are a number of interesting names on the list. Among the Cubs related players, you’ll find just Jake Odorizzi, but there are plenty of other notable trade candidates who’s teams stood pat as the clock struck 4:00 p.m. on August 1, including Chris Sale, Jeremy Hellickson, Yasiel Puig, Danny Valencia. For a little more background or explanation on why any one of them stayed put, check out Adams’ article here.

It was a really busy day at Baseball is Fun, so make sure you didn’t miss any of the highlights:

The Phillies completed the sixth triple play of the 2016 season

Manny Machado hit three home runs in three at-bats yesterday

Two living legends (David Ortiz and Vin Scully) hung out at Dodgers Stadium

Mike Trout robbed what would have been a grand slam

The NL Central put on a defensive clinic

And, last but certainly not least, Ichiro Suzuki reached 3,000 MLB hits

written by

Michael Cerami

Michael Cerami began covering the Chicago Cubs for Bleacher Nation as a part-time contributor in 2015. One year later, he joined Bleacher Nation full-time, covering the Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball. Today, Michael runs Bleacher Nation, contributing as a writer (Cubs, MLB) and an editor for all sections of the site, including the Chicago Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks, as well as MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL. In 2019, Michael was the co-host of NBC Sports Chicago's Cubs Post-Game Show Outside the Ivy. You can find him on Twitter/X @Michael_Cerami

more cubs news

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Roster Move: Kyle Hendricks Activated to Start Today

No surprises here, as the decision to start Kyle Hendricks this afternoon against the Pirates was made yesterday, but the news has officially hit the wire, and here it is. Kyle Hendricks Activated Kyle Hendricks is returning from his short...

Michael Cerami

May 12, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs Lineup: Loading Up on Righties

CUBS LINEUP — The Cubs have played thirteen series so far this season, and this is already their eighth rubber match. Let's see if Kyle Hendricks and the Cubs can bring this one in. Chicago Cubs Lineup: Nico Hoerner, SS...

Michael Cerami

May 12, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Horrible History, Morel’s Knee, Almonte’s Shoulder, Hoerner, Wesneski, Hendricks, Mervis, and Other Cubs Bullets

Happy Mother's Day to the mothers among you, and to the mothers in my life! I'll be doing some extra family stuff today, so I'm gonna cruise through these Bullets ... Up front, because this was certainly the thing most...

Brett Taylor

May 12, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Kyle Hendricks Will Start for the Big League Cubs Tomorrow

The Sunday TBD has been D'd, and it's going to be Kyle Hendricks coming back an outing early. Instead of making another rehab start at Iowa, Hendricks is going to be activated from the IL to rejoin the rotation tomorrow:...

Brett Taylor

May 11, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Enhanced Box Score: Pirates 10, Cubs 9 – May 11, 2024

The Cubs came within 90 feet of keeping that ridiculous game going. No dice. Stupid game. Early on, it just kinda seemed like the Cubs might lose a perfectly normal - bad, but normal - game. Justin Steele did not...

Brett Taylor

May 11, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Pre-Gamin’: Cubs at Pirates (3:05 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

CUBS LINEUP — After a little tease yesterday, Seiya Suzuki is actually, officially in the Cubs lineup today. And he'll be greeted with a tough matchup against the top pitching prospect in Major League Baseball. Welcome back! Chicago Cubs Lineup:...

Michael Cerami

May 11, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Oh, Good, Yency Almonte is Now Also Hurt

Today the Chicago Cubs placed reliever Yency Almonte on the Injured List with a right shoulder strain. Jose Cuas has been recalled from Iowa to take his place in the bullpen. Almonte, together with Mark Leiter Jr., had been performing...

Brett Taylor

May 11, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Credit to Assad, Huge Ups to Brown, Hopes for Taillon, Happ’s Bat and Glove, Bellinger History, and Other Cubs Bullets

How did I not know that the Aurora Borealis was going to be visible last night?!?!? I woke up this morning to all these awesome pictures from friends and other people in the area, and I'm MISERABLE ABOUT IT. With...

Brett Taylor

May 11, 2024

Chicago Cubs

24 Years Ago Today, Glenallen Hill Hit a Home Run ONTO a Wrigley Field Rooftop

In 2015, Kyle Schwarber hit a monster home run onto the top of the right field scoreboard at Wrigley Field, where it stayed for the remainder of the postseason. Watching the game live, I remember thinking "Dang, he got all...

Michael Cerami

May 11, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cade Horton Had His First Really Rough Night

Usually, I like to use this space to celebrate a great game from a top Cubs prospect, but sometimes, it's important to note when the other thing happens. Last night, Cade Horton had his very first really bad start. He...

Brett Taylor

May 11, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Roster Move: Kyle Hendricks Activated to Start Today

Michael Cerami

May 12, 2024

Picks

Braves vs. Mets Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Sunday, May 12, 2024

Expect a display of power when Marcell Ozuna (12 HR) and the Atlanta Braves (24-12) take on Pete Alonso (4 HR) and the New York Mets (18-20) at Citi Field at 7:10 PM ET live on ESPN. Ozuna and the...

Data Skrive

May 12, 2024

Chicago Bulls

What are the 2024 NBA Draft Lottery Odds?

The NBA Draft Lottery has arrived. Despite the lackluster nature of this year's prospect pool, this remains a highly-anticipated day for teams around the league. The truth of the matter is that the opportunity to snag a high pick is...

Elias Schuster

May 12, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs Lineup: Loading Up on Righties

Michael Cerami

May 12, 2024

Picks

Top Player Prop Bets for Pacers vs. Knicks Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 4 on May 12, 2024

Player props are listed for Pascal Siakam and Jalen Brunson, among others, when the Indiana Pacers host the New York Knicks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sunday at 3:30 PM ET.How to Watch Pacers vs. KnicksDate: Sunday, May 12, 2024Time: 3:30...

Data Skrive

May 12, 2024

Picks

Braves vs. Mets Probable Starting Pitchers – May 12

Following a stretch of four consecutive wins, the Atlanta Braves (24-12) play the New York Mets (18-20) at 7:10 PM ET on Sunday.The Braves will give the nod to Bryce Elder (1-1, 5.28 ERA), who is eyeing win No. 2...

Data Skrive

May 12, 2024

Picks

Avalanche vs. Stars NHL Playoffs Second Round Game 4 Prediction: Picks, Live Odds and Moneyline – Monday, May 13, 2024

The sportsbooks prefer the Colorado Avalanche at home (-135) over the Dallas Stars (+114) when they meet on Monday, May 13 at 9:30 PM ET.Watch the NHL on Fubo!Avalanche vs. Stars Favorite, Moneyline, TotalFavorite: Avalanche (-135)Underdog: Stars (+114)Total: 6.5Best Avalanche...

Data Skrive

May 12, 2024

Chicago Bulls

Release the Ping Pong Balls, Second Round Picks, MJ’s 3-Point Shooting, and Other Bulls Bullets

If there was an Equipment Manager of the Year award, I think my aunt might deserve it. Having to leave at about 5 a.m. to drive to my sibling's college graduation on Saturday, I may have kinda sorta broken my...

Elias Schuster

May 12, 2024

Picks

Hurricanes vs. Rangers NHL Playoffs Second Round Game 5 Prediction: Odds, Picks, Best Bets – Monday, May 13, 2024

The oddsmakers are expecting a close game between the Carolina Hurricanes and New York Rangers on Monday in New York City, with the Hurricanes given moneyline odds of -118 and the Rangers at -102.Watch the NHL on Fubo!Hurricanes vs. Rangers...

Data Skrive

May 12, 2024

Chicago Blackhawks

World Championships Updates, Great Stars, Canes Survive, Still No Q, and Other Blackhawks Mother’s Day Bullets

Happy Mother's Day to all of the wonderful moms out there. My sons are incredibly fortunate to have a great mom and two wonderful grandmas still in their lives. We hear Blackhawks players talk about hot much they appreciate their...

Tab Bamford

May 12, 2024

MLBits: Aces Working Their Way Back, Retiring Yankees, Lucroy and Pirates Explain, More

Read More

more cubs news

Latest News

more cubs news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular