Author Archive

MLB All-Star Legends and Celebrity Softball Game 2014: Full List of Participants

Most fans will be looking forward to the 2014 MLB All-Star Game, but on Sunday, July 13, another exciting tradition will be rekindled during the MLB All-Star Legends and Celebrity Softball Game.

Some of the biggest names in baseball history will join forces with some of the top personalities from other sports and from the world of entertainment in a celebrity softball game. With the event taking place in Minnesota, there is a local feel to the stars participating.

Here is the full list of participants and the star to watch on Sunday.

 

 

Star to Watch: Jim Thome

There are few baseball players to ever grace the major leagues who made an impact on more lives than former first baseman and designated hitter Jim Thome.

As a former member of the Minnesota Twins, Thome was a perfect fit for this celebrity softball game.

Thome only spent a year and a half with Minnesota, but like every team he played for, he became a fan favorite and an example of how to play baseball the right way. With country-born strength and a positive attitude, Thome was a great leader in any locker room.

KARE-TV Sports Director Eric Perkins talked about his excitement to see Thome in the softball game but pondered if he could be doing more during the festivities:

When asked about bringing back stars from the past, Twins President Dave St. Peter told Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com about the franchise’s efforts with its alumni:

I think the history and the tradition is always something that’s always been important to us. I think you try to accentuate that when you have opportunities such as Opening Day, the postseason or an All-Star Game. At the end of the day, it’s a celebration of baseball, but also about the history of the players in that town, and you can’t do that without the Olivas, or the Carews, or the Hrbeks or even the Radkes and Mientkiewiczs.

Thome has not played in the majors since 2012, but he put together an amazing career. He spent 22 seasons with the Cleveland Indians, Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Baltimore Orioles and the Twins.

Over the course of his career, Thome belted 612 home runs, added another 1,699 RBI and made the All-Star team five times. The crowd will explode when Thome’s name is called Sunday, and it will be a feel-good moment for the franchise and the player.

Thome isn’t too far removed from his career, either, which will make him a very dangerous player in the softball game. While he is one of the most genuine people in the sport, he has a competitive side and will unleash it on the celebrity game.

It wouldn’t come as a surprise to see Thome put one in the seats for old time’s sake.

 

*Stats via MLB.com.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com


2014 MLB All-Star Roster: Complete Lineups for American and National Leagues

Baseball is a sport steeped in tradition, and the 2014 edition of the MLB All-Star Game has the unenviable honor of trying to live up to the high standards of the annual event.

Fortunately for hardcore and casual fans alike, the rosters for both the American and National Leagues are stacked with elite hitters and dominant pitchers. The game should be a fierce battle with home-field advantage in the World Series on the line.

Here are the complete rosters for the AL and NL and a focus on the player whom baseball fans are most excited to see in action.

 

Player to Watch: Andrew McCutchen, OF, Pittsburgh Pirates

A cadre of pitchers could steal the show in the All-Star Game, and several hitters have the power to dominate the headlines, but no one possesses the game-changing abilities of Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen.

While many fans immediately think of his consistency and power at the plate, McCutchen is arguably the best outfielder in the sport. With a unique mixture of speed and awareness in the field, he can cover an incredible amount of ground and make breathtaking catches.

The Pirates’ official Twitter account talked about where he ranks amongst the all-time Pittsburgh greats:

That speed also helps him on the basepaths. McCutchen has racked up 15 stolen bases this season and looks to be on pace to meet his season average of 23. He may look to use his baserunning ability during the actual All-Star Game.

When asked about the honor of making the Midsummer Classic, McCutchen told Tom Singer of MLB.com about going with his teammates and being voted as a starter:

It’s definitely an honor and I’m happy I will have some guys accompanying me there…It takes us winning to get that recognition, and we’ve done that the last couple of years. It’s good to see. Being in the All-Star Game is enough in itself. Being No. 1 [in voting for outfielders] is a plus, really cool.

ESPN’s Stats and Info department shared a great image of just how hot McCutchen has been since June 1:

McCutchen picked up right where he left off last season. He has compiled a .321 batting average, 15 home runs, 59 RBI, 53 runs and a .419 on-base percentage in 91 games this season. He looks to be on pace to match or surpass almost all of his regular-season averages.

In his three previous All-Star Game appearances, though, McCutchen has only managed one hit in five at-bats. It could be time for the Pittsburgh star to buck the trend and take the game over for the National League.

With 46 extra-base hits in 2014, McCutchen has the ability to change the game with one swing of his bat.

Predicted stat line: 2 at-bats, 2 hits, 1 RBI, 1 run, 1 stolen base

 

*Stats via MLB.com.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com


2014 MLB All-Star Game: Complete Rosters and Predictions for Midsummer Classic

There are many traditions in baseball that make it America’s pastime, but none have the history and excitement associated with the MLB All-Star Game. The 2014 edition of the Midsummer Classic will live up to the lofty expectations.

With many of the top players in the league taking the field at the same time, fans will be treated to an amazing battle between the best pitchers in baseball and the elite hitters in the sport.

Here are the full rosters for both the National and American leagues and predictions for the 2014 MLB-All Star Game.

 

 

Breaking Down the 2014 All-Star Game

While the hitters on both rosters will make it difficult for opposing pitchers to shine during the All-Star Game, the vast array of top hurlers on either team will be the ultimate difference-maker.

Fans will be expecting elite batters like Troy Tulowitzki, Andrew McCutchen and Yasiel Puig from the NL side and Miguel Cabrera, Mike Trout and Jose Bautista from the AL side to dominate, but the pitching depth is even more impressive.

The key to victory for both teams will be the pitching.

On the American League side, look for starters like Yu Darvish, Felix Hernandez, Jon Lester and David Price to carry the team for most of the game. If the AL coaching staff can get two innings out of each elite pitcher, there will only be one inning for the relief pitchers to worry about.

While there is a strong cast of characters in the bullpen for the American League with Sean Doolittle, Greg Holland, Glen Perkins and Dellin Betances, the coaching staff would like to leave the ball in the hands of proven stars when possible.

As stellar as each reliever played to reach the All-Star Game, none have achieved the long-term success that will instill unquestioned confidence. Expect the AL to lean more on the starters than the relief pitchers.

Boston Red Sox manager and American League shot-caller John Farrell spoke about the importance of the game with Jen McCaffrey of MassLive.com:

I will say having going through this the first time you’re handed an awful lot to make sure you include so it begins to narrow the selections quickly. You want to do what’s right for the individuals who’ve had great first halves of this season and then you look at what’s the best roster particularly when you look at the spare players or the extra players in event of a need late in a game. So that also factors into it as well. We have an obligation to do everything we can to win the game for home field advantage in October.

On the National League side, there is just as much pitching prowess. With bona fide stars like Johnny Cueto, Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke, Madison Bumgarner and Adam Wainwright all earning a spot on the roster, the NL coaching staff will be looking to get eight innings out of the top five starting pitchers.

Even if one or more of the starting pitchers falter, the NL has the superior bullpen. With anchors such as Craig Kimbrel, Aroldis Chapman and Francisco Rodriguez ready and willing to come in any time and dominate the opposing hitters, the American League has been put on notice.

The sheer offensive depth on each team will result in some offensive production, but fans shouldn’t expect a batting clinic during the 2014 All-Star Game. There is just too much skill on the mound for the score to get out of hand.

Expect the National League to use its bullpen advantage to stifle any momentum the AL builds and steal the show with the victory. All signs point to the NL having home-field advantage for the World Series.

Predicted Winner: National League, 5-3.

 

*Stats via MLB.com.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com


MLB Trade Rumors: Chase Headley, Joaquin Benoit and More Buzz

The 2014 MLB non-waiver trade deadline is scheduled for Thursday, July 31, but the buzz surrounding rumored deals has gone up exponentially with the blockbuster trade involving Jeff Samardzija and the Oakland Athletics.

With stars like Chase Headley, Joaquin Benoit and Dayan Viciedo reportedly on the market, the trades that have been rumored could drastically shift the landscape of Major League Baseball moving forward.

Here are the latest MLB trade rumors circulating around the league right now.

 

Toronto Kicking the Tires on Chase Headley?

One of the most intriguing players on the trade block is San Diego Padres third baseman Chase Headley. At 30 years old, there is still plenty of life left in the veteran.

While Headley’s offensive numbers this year have dropped—his .217 batting average, six home runs and 25 RBI are awful, but the lackluster lineup around him has pitchers avoiding his power at all costs—he is still a force in the field and a viable every-day starter at the hot corner.

According to Jon Morosi of Fox Sports, San Diego and the Toronto Blue Jays have already started the trade conversations:

In a report from Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the New York Yankees could also be interested in Headley via trade as the deadline approaches:

Headley has admittedly struggled during the 2014 season, but a change of scenery may be exactly what he needs. Being stuck in the aimless culture of the Padres will hurt a player’s confidence and moving to a club fighting for a postseason spot like Toronto would be ideal.

The Blue Jays have the assets to make the deal work, and the addition of a stellar third baseman like Headley could put the team over the edge in the AL East.

 

Detroit Interested in Bringing Back Joaquin Benoit?

After spending three seasons with the Detroit Tigers, relief pitcher Joaquin Benoit joined the San Diego Padres this offseason. He has racked up an impressive 1.23 ERA, 41 strikeouts and a 0.68 WHIP thus far in 2014.

As San Diego continues to fall out of contention, Benoit will continue to draw serious interest.

In a separate report from Morosi, Detroit appears to be one of the franchises most interested in reacquiring Benoit to bolster the back end of the bullpen:

Whether it was the closer role or the setup role, Benoit filled any need the Tigers had during his time with the team. While he was inconsistent during his stretch in Detroit, he has shown his vast skills during his time with the Padres.

There is no doubt that trading for Benoit could be a bust if he doesn’t regain his elite form with the Tigers, but his talent and mental strength would help alleviate the pressure on the current cast of characters in Detroit’s bullpen.

 

Boston and Others Looking to Acquire Dayan Viciedo?

After defecting from Cuba, outfielder Dayan Viciedo signed with the Chicago White Sox and was greeted with serious fanfare. Unfortunately for the player and the team, he has not lived up to the lofty expectations.

Now may be the perfect opportunity for the Boston Red Sox or one of the other teams reportedly interested in trading for Viciedo to buy low on the prospect. At only 25 years old, there is still ample room for the player to grow.

According to Gordon Edes of ESPNBoston.com, there are at least two teams in addition to Boston that are developing deals in order to acquire the Cuban star via trade:

Other teams have already approached the White Sox about him, including the contending Mariners and Giants, according to one major league source. The Mariners, the source said, would consider trading 23-year-old right-hander Brandon Maurer as part of a two-player package for him, so it’s reasonable to expect that the Red Sox would have to be willing to part with one of their young arms (Brandon Workman, Rubby De La Rosa, Allen Webster) to acquire him.

There was serious hope for Viciedo after he blasted 25 home runs in 2012, but he regressed in each of the last two seasons, culminating in a lackluster .250 batting average, 10 home runs and 31 RBI thus far in 2014.

The risk associated with Viciedo is very real, but a team like Boston has the support system needed to help the still-developing prospect reach his full potential.

 

*Stats via MLB.com.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com


MLB Trade Rumors: David Price, Jake Peavy and Latest Buzz from Around the League

The 2013 MLB offseason has been full of blockbuster signings and surprise moves, but the trade rumors have continued to fly over the last several weeks.

With huge names like Tampa Bay’s David Price, Boston’s Jake Peavy and Philadelphia’s Jimmy Rollins reportedly on the market, the rumor mill has become a major topic of conversation.

Here are the biggest rumors circulating after the conclusion of the winter meetings.

 

David Price Still a Trade Target?

The Tampa Bay Rays had been reportedly talking about moving starting pitcher David Price for the right return, but the rumors have died down over the last month. Once the winter meetings began, so did the inquiries.

According to Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports, the activity surrounding Price has picked up:

Despite the silence, sources said the trade market remains active, with a number of teams having approached Tampa Bay with pitches for Price at the winter meetings but none having found the proper assortment of talent to pry away the former Cy Young winner.

Price is still under contract with Tampa Bay and the franchise controls his fate, but the team has shown in the past with players like outfielder Carl Crawford that it will let big names walk via free agency.

Instead of getting little in return, the Rays are better off trying to deal him at the trade deadline and find a team desperate to make the postseason that is willing to overpay. The possible deal may have weighed heavily on Price as he didn’t live up to expectations in 2013.

Price’s agent Bo McKinnis spoke about how his client is dealing with the rumors, per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times:

We really don’t know any more than everybody else. David has made it clear many times how much he likes playing for the Rays. At this point we’re reading the same reports and watching and waiting to see what happens.

There is still immense value to a 28-year-old starter with as much experience and consistency as Price, but his down performance last season would not fetch Tampa Bay its asking price. The franchise must let the veteran start the season with the Rays to prove his elite status and move him to the highest bidder before the deadline.

 

Boston Red Sox Looking to Make a Deal?

The Boston Red Sox are coming off a World Series victory, but the team finds itself with an abundance of starting pitchers. That’s a good problem to have.

Per a report from Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the franchise could be looking to deal one of the high-priced veterans it acquired in order to win last year’s championship:

A trade remains possible — the Red Sox are checking in with teams that need starters, sources say. Righties Jake Peavy and Ryan Dempster appear the most expendable, but the Sox could get a bigger return if they moved righty John Lackey or lefty Felix Doubront.

The key in the trade to acquire Peavy was star prospect Jose Iglesias. The Red Sox may be looking to deal one or both of these veteran pitchers, but what the team would get in return is up for debate.

Boston won’t get back a prospect as valuable as Iglesias, though.

Several teams across MLB need legitimate help in the back end of their rotation, but how much a franchise on the cusp of contending would be willing to part with to acquire a 32-year-old pitcher remains to be seen.

 

Philadelphia Still Shopping Jimmy Rollins?

The Philadelphia Phillies have made several offseason moves, but the biggest could be yet to come. According to a report from Buster Olney of ESPN, the team is looking at one of the longest tenured players on the roster, shortstop Jimmy Rollins:

Rollins hit for a disappointing.252 batting average in 2013 and only amassed six home runs, 39 RBI and 65 runs. At 35 years old, the steady decline in production since winning the MVP award in 2007 is obvious.

There will undoubtedly be a team looking for help in the middle infield that will consider Rollins at shortstop. His leadership abilities and his big-game experience are unquestionable, but Philadelphia shouldn’t expect a huge return in a trade if the team finds a partner.

 

*All stats via MLB.com.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com


MLB Trade Rumors: Latest on David Price, Brett Anderson and More

Major League Baseball always features a serious share of trade rumors during the year, and the 2013 offseason has been no exception.

With free agents starting to sign huge deals and teams already making blockbuster trades, the pressure on franchises that have stood still thus far will only continue to grow as the fans call for changes.

Here is the latest buzz surrounding the biggest names reportedly on the block.

 

David Price, SP, Tampa Bay Rays

David Price is one of the best young starting pitchers in baseball today. The problem is that the Tampa Bay Rays are notoriously tight-fisted with money, and Price may walk away from Tampa Bay when he is eligible to become a free agent.

If the Rays don’t plan on re-signing Price—that would be an awful decision for the future of the franchise—the team must trade him now. Tampa Bay could essentially hold a bidding war for his services and would have the time to work out the details of the deal during the layoff.

According to Andy Martino of the New York Daily News, the Texas Rangers are expected to make an offer for Price and could have the pieces to make a deal happen:

Texas is also known to like David Price, and is one of the clubs expected to make a run at trading for him this winter. The Rays are said to like Texas first baseman Mitch Moreland, who the Rangers no longer need, and could include in a larger Price deal.

Price has been amazing in his time with Tampa Bay, amassing 71 wins, a 3.19 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP in six seasons. He has been instrumental in the success of the Rays over that time and letting him go would be a tough sell for the franchise.

There is no question that Tampa Bay would get a healthy return on the trade, but whether or not the acquired players would live up to the high standards set by Price is something the Rays must consider.

Tampa Bay should re-sign Price to a long-term deal and build the franchise around him.

 

Brett Anderson, SP, Oakland Athletics

The Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Brett Anderson came into the league in 2009 and put up impressive numbers, but he has failed to live up to those expectations. With a deep starting rotation in Oakland and the need to find efficiency for every dollar, the possibility of a trade continues to grow.

According to Buster Olney of ESPN, two teams are reportedly interested in the pitcher:

Anderson came out in his rookie season and started 30 games. He pitched 175.1 innings, struck out 150 batters and had a 4.06 ERA, but he has not lived up to the hype, totaling only 11 starts over the last two seasons.

The young pitcher needs a fresh start.

Injuries have played a major role in his lack of success over the last four seasons, but a change of scenery could offer Anderson the inspiration to continue fighting on. After Tommy John Surgery in 2011, the pitcher needs all the confidence he can muster to return to his elite form.

Trading for Anderson would be an educated risk that could yield a huge return if the 25-year-old regains his rookie form, and a franchise with a deep farm system would be wise to make this deal.

 

Jeff Samardzija, SP, Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs and starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija have failed to reach a deal on a contract extension, and the likelihood that the franchise could trade the player is growing every day.

Per a report from David Kaplan of CSN Chicago, the feeding frenzy over Samardzija has begun:

The Cubs are shopping starter Jeff Samardzija and as many as eight teams have shown considerable interest in landing the right-hander, who is not eligible for free agency until after the 2015 season. The front office has had discussions with Samardzija‘s camp regarding a long-term contract extension, but the two sides are far apart financially.

Samardzija can be a franchise starting pitcher, but the Cubs haven’t showed the willingness to pay him that way. If Chicago doesn’t think a long-term deal is in its best interest, working out a trade now while his value is sky high would guarantee a big return.

If the Cubs wait until midseason or even next offseason to pull the trigger on a deal, injuries or a poor performance could hurt his overall value. Chicago must make a trade for Samardzija this offseason or sign him to a long-term contract as one of the top pitchers on the staff for years to come.

 

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com


World Series 2013: Analyzing Keys to Victory for Boston and St. Louis

The 2013 World Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Boston Red Sox has started off with two excellent games—each team has stolen a victory—and the rest of the series should prove to be just as intense.

Here are the keys for each team to bring home the championship hardware for their respective city.

All stats via MLB.com.

 

Boston’s Keys to World Series Victory

The series now shifts to St. Louis for Game 3, and that’s bad news for a Red Sox team that leans so heavily on the designated hitter position. While Red Sox DH David Ortiz will play first base, there are questions about his prowess in the field.

With errors playing such a huge role in the outcome of the first two games in this series, how Ortiz stands up to the pressure of playing the field will be a true test. He may be a liability on defense, but his two home runs and five RBI through the first two games are enough to get him in the lineup over fellow first baseman Mike Napoli.

The Red Sox will need to find some offensive stride against 25-year-old pitching phenom Joe Kelly if the team wants to secure a series victory. Led by Ortiz, the entire Boston batting order (batting .188 through two games) must step up on the road and steal momentum.

 

St. Louis’ Keys to World Series Victory

The St. Louis Cardinals are all about fundamental baseball, and that will continue as the team defends its home field against Boston for the next two games. With the DH position eliminated and the pitcher forced to swing the bat, the Cardinals have a distinct advantage.

Not only does St. Louis have Kelly ready to make the start in Game 3, but the starting pitching rotation that also includes Lance Lynn, Michael Wacha and Adam Wainwright will provide the Cardinals with the edge on the mound as well.

Add in the fact that neither bullpen has distinguished itself as the clear-cut better unit so far, and the focus on starting pitching will be at a premium. St. Louis will hold the edge if the team can just continue playing fundamental baseball.

 

World Series Prediction

In the ultimate baseball battle, the pitching heavy National League champions are locked at one game apiece with the offensive juggernauts representing the American League. Both teams have failed to live up the billing, but these franchises are proving to be evenly matched.

As much as causal baseball fans love the high-powered Red Sox lineup, the fact that it has gone cold at the worst possible time against a stellar pitching staff in St. Louis is troubling for Boston fans.

The Cardinals are one of the best fundamental teams in the league, and with the pitching depth to back up the inconsistent offense, St. Louis has found the needed run support from anyone willing to step up.

This has all the earmarks of becoming an intense battle that goes down to the wire, but the Cardinals have the ability to hold off the Red Sox and bring home another World Series title.

2013 Champion: St. Louis beats Boston, four games-to three.

 

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com


Felix Hernandez’s Wife Alleged Victim of Wire Fraud by Teammate’s Wife

The wife of third-year Seattle Mariners outfielder Carlos Peguero is facing federal charges after allegedly making $180,000 in unauthorized purchases on a debit card belonging to the wife of Seattle starting pitcher Felix Hernandez, reports Mike Carter of The Seattle Times.

Maria Jacqueline Peguero, 22, has been charged with three counts of wire fraud for allegedly purchasing items from Saks Fifth Avenue with Sandra Hernandez’s debit card online and having them delivered to her apartment between June 26, 2012, and Oct. 9, 2012. 

Mariners senior vice president for communications Randy Adamack told Carter that team officials were “aware of this pending police matter, but are not in a position to discuss it further.”

The charges were filed by the U.S. Secret Service on Oct. 1, and Peguero has pleaded not guilty. She is currently free on bond, but under the watch of federal community Pre-Trial Services, according to the report.

The charges carry a 20-year maximum sentence.

Peguero allegedly spent several days at the home of Hernandez’s wife while the team was on a road trip, and the victim gave access to her credit cards due to her limited command of the English language, according to court documents cited in the report. 

Investigators tracked the purchases back to an email address associated with a Twitter account belonging to Peguero, and a search warrant was executed on her home. Several items were seized.

According to the Times report, the purchases were vast:

There were more than 60 transactions in all, ranging from a few hundred dollars to more than $11,000. On some days, as many as five separate purchases were made, according to a list contained in the complaint.

Hernandez is the wife of Mariners’ ace Felix, who has become the face of the franchise. The starter, known widely as King Felix, won the American League Cy Young Award in 2010 and was paid $19 million in 2013. He just completed the first year of a 7-year, $175 million contract extension.

Carlos Peguero, 26, spent most of the past season in Triple A and was signed by Seattle in 2005. According to the report, he told investigators that he did not know about his wife’s online purchases.

 

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com


William Howard Taft Joins Washington Nationals Presidents’ Race

Teddy Roosevelt may not be bringing up the rear for much longer in the Nationals’ annual fourth-inning Presidents’ race. 

According to Dan Steinberg of The Washington Post, the Nationals will be adding a fifth, portly member to the presidential sprint, the 27th president of the United States, William Howard Taft. 

 

UPDATE: Saturday, Jan. 26, 3:50 p.m. ET by Donald Wood

After much anticipation, the Washington Nationals have finally unveiled the fifth member of the Presidents’ races at Nationals Park and the 27th President of the United States, William Howard Taft (h/t Washington’s Official Twitter account):

—End of update—

 

While this may look like a big risk on the surface—shaking up the nucleus of what was a dominant four-man race—the addition of a wild card like Taft to the original members adds excitement to the races.

The fans already love George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson and Theodore Roosevelt (Teddy finally got his first win in 2012), but there are so many fun ways that Taft could liven up the races at Nationals Park.

 

What It Means

For those unfamiliar, Taft was a rather large man, and he is regarded as one of the fattest presidents in history (h/t Chestnet.com). He once famously got stuck in his bathtub. The Nationals will undoubtedly ensure that this characteristic is emphasized in the costume design.

Another note that makes Taft the perfect addition to the race—besides the lack of a widely known political affiliation—is his longstanding issues with fan-favorite Teddy Roosevelt.

While Taft was Roosevelt’s friend and successor for the presidency, the two had a very public war of words that ruined their relationship. There is little doubt that this disdain will launch a new rivalry.

 

What’s Next?

Pitchers and catchers are reporting to spring training soon, and Taft too must report early to be ready to make the jump to the major leagues…of president racing.

The possibilities for drama are endless—there are now four former presidents trying to stifle the now-red-hot Roosevelt—and the Nationals fans will be lucky to see such a historic battle for presidential supremacy.

While some fans may complain about the addition of another president to an already successful race, Taft’s sheer size and pure hatred for Teddy will create one of the greatest rivalries in sports.

And no, that’s not being overly dramatic about it.

 

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com


Matt Bush: Former MLB No. 1 Overall Pick Sentenced to Three Years in Prison

Former San Diego Padres 2004 No. 1 overall draft pick Matt Bush has agreed to a plea bargain that will see the 26-year-old spend three years in prison in connection to a DUI hit-and-run incident, according to Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times.

The relief pitcher was a member of the Tampa Bay Rays organization when the hit-and-run accident occurred. He’s spent over eight months in a Charlotte County, Florida, prison while awaiting the outcome of the case.

The incident in question occurred while Bush was driving on a suspended license and under the influence of alcohol. The young prospect hit the motorcycle of 72-year-old Tony Tufano and then fled from the scene.

Tufano suffered serious injuries, and Bush has been incarcerated since being arrested.

Daniel Bush, Bush’s father, told the Tampa Bay Times about how Matt was taking the news of his prison sentence and how his family is supporting the young man:

He’s taking it pretty good. He’s not crying or sulking. He’s preparing for it. Everybody in our family is backing him up…It’s a bad situation, but you’ve got to make the best of it. Life goes on.

This an absolutely devastating situation for all parties involved, but the hope now for the Bush family is that the young baseball prospect can use this as a learning tool and become a better man because of it.

Bush will be close to 30 when he leaves prison, so any hopes of a major league baseball career are likely over. With that in mind, Bush can begin the slow process of returning to society as a changed person.

 

Check back for more on the Major League Baseball as it comes, and don’t miss Bleacher Report’s MLB page to get your fill of all things baseball.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com


Copyright © 1996-2010 Kuzul. All rights reserved.
iDream theme by Templates Next | Powered by WordPress