MLBits: Stanton Hurt, Cardinals Rotation Upside/Risk, Scherzer Extension, Astros Booed, More

Feb 26, 2020

Opening Day is exactly ONE MONTH away. That’s a good thing, right?

Here’s some notes from around the league …

Giancarlo Stanton managed just 18 games last year thanks to biceps, shoulder, and knee issues, and now the 30-year-old slugger may miss the start of the season because of a calf strain. He is currently under contract for another eight years on the monster extension he signed with the Marlins back in 2015, though he could opt out after this season if he wanted. That seems unlikely.

The New York Mets have a pretty creative – albeit dubious – idea for their vacant starting spot at the back of their rotation. Currently a battle between the lefty, Steven Matz, and the righty, Michael Wacha, the Mets are considering deploying either throughout the season based on the strength of the lefty/righty matchup on the other team. Now, obviously that’s all dependent on the health of the rest of the rotation, but it’s at least an interesting idea. I doubt it ever really gets to the point where they’re alternating starts as frequently and consistently as we might imagine, but I’m all for experimenting … when other teams’ records are at stake.

Wanna hear something concerning? Phillies pitchers Zach Eflin and Zack Wheeler have both claimed to notice a difference in the baseballs they’ve been using at camp this year. Specifically, they believe the balls are softer and the seams are higher. That’s terrifying because the main argument of the juiced ball era – and specifically last season – was that the balls were harder and the seams were too low (which gives them an entire different feel when you’re pitching and less drag when you’re hitting). It’s not – individually – an issue to go back to the baseballs the sport used to use, but another dramatic, immediate change without any heads up from the league is just asking for trouble. And given their lack of transparency to this point – on this and other issues – why would fans or players not be suspicious of changes?

The latest at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch confirms that Adam Wainwright does not like eating the crust on the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches he has before every game.

Oh, I guess that article also discusses Carlos Martinez’s efforts to return to the Cardinals rotation, after injuries have kept him off the field or – at best – in the bullpen: “Look, he can’t be in the starter’s mix if he’s not out here,” manager Mike Shildt said. “And he is. He’s out here giving himself a legitimate shot to compete for that spot, and we’re pulling for him.” Martinez’s postgame recovery this spring will be under heavy watch, because his presence in the rotation over the course of the season can tilt the Cardinals’ fate one way or another.

And the same can be said for former top prospect Alex Reyes, who is coming off his first healthy offseason in three years. Still just 25, Reyes was always this looming threat in St. Louis who never really got off the ground. He’s got tremendous abilities and could lead their rotation if he can stay on the field, so he’s another hugely important pitching story to follow in the NL Central. The Cardinals have no shortage of high-quality options, but they each come with plenty of risk.

Mets corner infielder/outfielder J.D. Davis, who slashed .307/.369/.527 over 140 games in 2019 is going to get an MRI after suffering a shoulder injury yesterday diving for a ground ball. The Mets are currently projected to be among the top contenders in the NL East, so losing Davis for any significant period of time would be a pretty big blow:

Davis was examined by the Tigers team doctor and told there wasn’t labrum or rotator cuff damage.

— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) February 25, 2020

J.D. Davis will undergo an MRI exam on his left shoulder tomorrow. Right now calling it a jammed left shoulder.

— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) February 25, 2020

Hey, maybe Tim Tebow can help fill in the space while Davis recovers:

Hey, Remember Tim Tebow? He Just Launched a Spring Training Homer for the Metshttps://t.co/1nnazJL2QG

— Baseball is Fun (@flippingbats) February 25, 2020

I kid, I kid. Probably.

Max Scherzer, 36, may have made only 27 starts last season (failing to throw more than 200 innings in the regular season for the first time since 2012), but he still got results: 2.92 ERA, 2.45 FIP; 6.5 fWAR. He’s got two years left on that massive 7-year deal he signed the same offseason as Jon Lester, but now there’s talk of a possible extension following the Justin Verlander model: “I thought it was very fair compensation,” Scherzer said of Verlander’s $66M extension with the Astros. “And also the way it affects future players’ contracts in age-37, -38 seasons just helps push the boundary a little bit, which is something that’s important to me.” Given how consistently excellent he’s been … pretty much forever, I’d say he’s probably worth it.

LOL … Astros. Come on:

Here’s that Verducci clip, on the 2017 WS sham:

“Kershaw threw 51 sliders and curveballs that day, and got *zero* swings and misses.” pic.twitter.com/wkjn3ivjA7

— 2020 Astros Shame Tour (@AsteriskTour) February 25, 2020

Looking back on that season (and 2018) with the information we have today is sure to uncover additional oddities and every single one of them rekindles my attention to full-power. What total cheaters.

Which means it’s good to laugh at this:

George Springer is showered in boos as he steps to the plate, tries to hit a ball far to silence the crowd and falls to a knee pic.twitter.com/HhRXIBOGyj
— SNY (@SNYtv) February 26, 2020

According to the New York Post, Major League baseball plans to crack down on pitchers using foreign substances this year: “Chris Young, recently elevated by MLB to a senior VP to oversee on-field operations and umpire development, has been touring camps in Arizona and Florida to deliver the message that Rule 8.02 is going to be enforced this year ….” Rule 8.02 is the one that deals with pitchers taking foreign substances to the mound and applying them to the ball. Like stealing signs from second, as players and without the help of electronics or non-uniform personnel, this is one of those forms of “cheating” that we all kinda just know a lot of pitchers do. But there’s no doubt that some players are likely more egregious in their efforts than others. I’m all for cracking down on cheating before it happens.

Brett Taylor contributed to this post.

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 Moves: Wisdom and Taillon Are Back, Wesneski and Mastrobuoni Are Out

Even with tonight's rainout, the Chicago Cubs are still making some roster moves. When Patrick Wisdom was removed (perfectly healthy) from the I-Cubs game in the 4th inning on Wednesday, we had an idea of what was coming next. When...

Michael Cerami

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Tonight’s Cubs-Marlins Game Has Been Postponed

The weather wasn't going to cooperate for Jameson Taillon's season debut, and tonight's Cubs-Marlins tilt has been postponed. The game will instead be part of a split-doubleheader this Saturday, with the first game at 1:20pm CT and the second at...

Brett Taylor

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

MLBits: Paul Skenes Could Make His MLB Debut Any Day (But Probably Won’t), Red-Hot Orioles, Houck’s Maddux, More

If you're into tracking young pitchers with star potential like I am—as I watch Jack Leiter's debut while typing this column—then you're probably itching to see Pirates top prospect Paul Skenes make his way to Pittsburgh sooner than later. While...

Patrick K. Flowers

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Back to Wrigley: Cubs vs Marlins – Series Preview

Cubs vs Marlins — Whew! The Cubs got through their first West Coast road trip of the year, and did so with a winning record (5-4) against the Padres, Mariners, and Diamondbacks. They definitely let a couple games slip out...

Michael Cerami

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Taillon Coming Back, Busch’s Integrity and Success, Bad News for the White Sox, Wicks, Hendricks, and Other Cubs Bullets

As the father of a toddler who was sick for an entire week — the same week Brett was out from his back surgery and the Cubs were playing almost exclusively late-night ballgames on the West Coast — I was...

Michael Cerami

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Farm Report | April 18, 2024: Caissie, Alcántara Go Yard, South Bend and Myrtle Beach Smoked, More

Kevin Alcántara hit his first home run of the season for the Tennessee Smokies last night, and Owen Caissie hit his first Triple-A home run for the Iowa Cubs as Iowa and Tennessee secured victories. The same can't be said...

Patrick K. Flowers

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cody Bellinger Sticking With Scott Boras

Given the way the offseason played out for super agent Scott Boras's top available clients - Cody Bellinger, Matt Chapman, Blake Snell, and Jordan Montgomery - you wouldn't be shocked to see some unhappiness behind the scenes. Did Boras overplay...

Brett Taylor

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

You’ll Be Even More Impressed with Hayden Wesneski, When You Hear What it Took to Get Him to Arizona

Hayden Wesneski was the hero of yesterday's finale and series-win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, coming in to clean up Jordan Wicks' (little) mess in the 5th ... and then tossing 4 shutout innings to save an over-used bullpen and help...

Michael Cerami

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Offseason Cubs Target Robert Stephenson Now Out for the Year

Hand up, I really wanted the Cubs to sign reliever Robert Stephenson this offseason. I felt like they could use one more impact arm (accurate), and I felt like Stephenson was one of the best available (about that ... )....

Brett Taylor

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Rays Closer Pete Fairbanks With a Wonderful and Brutally Honest Line About His Performance

Rays closer Pete Fairbanks has been an extremely effective reliever the last four years, posting a 2.66 ERA from 2020 through 2023, with a 34.8% K rate and worth 4.1 WAR. But things have started out much more rough for...

Brett Taylor

Apr 18, 2024

MLB Prop Bets

Cubs vs. Marlins Probable Starting Pitchers – April 19

The Miami Marlins (4-15) kick off a four-game series on Friday against the Chicago Cubs (11-7). The contest starts at 2:20 PM ET at Wrigley Field.The Cubs will look to Jameson Taillon versus the Marlins and Andrew Jacob Puk (0-3).Cubs...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

How to Watch

Reds vs. Angels: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

Spencer Steer and the Cincinnati Reds (9-9) host Mike Trout and the Los Angeles Angels (9-10) on Friday in a series opener, with first pitch at 6:40 PM ET.Keep reading to find out all the details on how to watch...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

NBA Picks

Kings vs. Pelicans Predictions, Best Bets and Odds: NBA Playoffs Game 1 – Friday, April 19, 2024

The Sacramento Kings and the New Orleans Pelicans take the court to start the opening round of the NBA Playoffs. The Kings are favored by 1.5 points in the contest, which airs on TNT at 9:30 PM ET. The over/under...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Blackhawks

Nick Foligno Calls Out Blackhawks Teammates, Says Changes Are Needed

The Blackhawks put the worst regular season of more than 70 games in the history of the franchise to bed on Thursday night in a manner that sums up the season fairly well. Connor Murphy was banged up and Nikita...

Tab Bamford

Apr 19, 2024

NBA Playoffs Odds - Mavs vs. Clippers 1st Round

NBA

2024 NBA Playoffs Odds: Mavs vs Clippers Odds to Win Series, Spreads, Lines

It's a first-round matchup with a history of fireworks! The Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers lock horns once again in the NBA Playoffs. This year marks the third time in five years these two teams meet in the opening...

Brian Twining

Apr 19, 2024

NBA

2024 NBA Playoffs Odds: Pacers vs Bucks Odds to Win Series, Spreads, Lines

The NBA Playoffs are here, and the Eastern Conference first-round ignites with a clash of styles. The Indiana Pacers, boasting the league's top-scoring offense, bring their high-octane attack to Milwaukee to face the experienced Bucks. Giannis Antetokounmpo's status adds further...

Brian Twining

Apr 18, 2024

How to Watch

Pirates vs. Red Sox: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Pittsburgh Pirates (11-8), led by Bryan Reynolds, host Jarren Duran and the Boston Red Sox (10-10) at 6:40 PM ET on Friday in a series opener.If you're planning on watching this game, keep reading for TV and streaming options...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

How to Watch

Padres vs. Blue Jays: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

On Friday, Matt Waldron will start for the San Diego Padres (11-10) against Yariel Rodriguez and the Toronto Blue Jays (10-9), with first pitch scheduled for 9:40 PM ET at PETCO Park.Keep scrolling to find out all the details on...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Giants vs. Diamondbacks: Live Stream or on TV

Michael Conforto and the San Francisco Giants (9-11) host Ketel Marte and the Arizona Diamondbacks (9-11) on Friday, with first pitch at 10:15 PM ET.Keep reading to see how to watch the San Francisco-Arizona matchup below.When is Giants vs. Diamondbacks...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Dodgers vs. Mets: Live Stream or on TV

The Los Angeles Dodgers (12-9), who will give the start to Yoshinobu Yamamoto, host the New York Mets (10-8) with Sean Manaea on the hill, Friday at 10:10 PM ET.Keep scrolling to find out all the details on how to...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

MLBits: Stanton Hurt, Cardinals Rotation Upside/Risk, Scherzer Extension, Astros Booed, More

Read More

more cubs news

Latest News

more cubs news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular